University of Virginia Library

BROWN AND RED.

FIRST VERSION.

“What can I do to please you?” answer then
Was wanting, lady, I will tell you now;
Let my poor poems round about your brow
Wave as a wreath of flowers, or as when
In a tiara jewels twice times ten
Flash like red fruits that 'tween the branches bow,
Accept my service, this my gift allow,
The first aspiring produce of my pen;
I plucked, sweet, I remember once for you
A tiny plant with tender separate leaves
Of red, that olden gift I would renew,
My poem is successful if it weaves
Itself within your memory, and achieves
A proud position, peeping brown hair through.

BROWN AND RED.

SECOND VERSION.

“What can I do to please you?” answer none
There was, but, lady, I will tell you how
If so disposed your heart may please me now,
But first let feet of memory backward run,
And tell me whether you remember one
Sweet plant I plucked for you in former days,
A tender delicate plant with ruby sprays,
Red separate leaflets kindled by the sun?
You do remember? good; then let my song
Be even such a sweet red flower, and bound
Within the black-brown hair I loved, and wound
The tresses I caressed in thought among,
That when a host of other jewels throng
Superior, there that leaf may still be found.