University of Virginia Library


68

A SONG OF HAPPY LOVE.

My life lay like a sea-bud dark upon the watery wold,
That feels when Spring is in the world, and striveth to unfold.
The breath of Love pass'd o'er me, and the Spring went laughing by;
Till on a sudden I was 'ware that thou, Beloved, wert nigh.
The Bird of Love to my window came, and sang a strain divine:
Sweet Bird! he makes his nest, I said, 'neath other eaves than mine!

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But many a day hath come and gone, and still he sits and sings
His song of happy futures, and of dear remember'd things.
My life went darkling like the Earth, nor knew it shone a Star
To that dear heaven on which it hung in worship from afar.
O, many bared their beauty, like brave flowers to the bee:
He might have ranged through sunny fields, but nestled down by me;
And daintier dames would proudly have smiled him to their side,
But with a lowly majesty he sought me for his Bride;
And grandly gave his love to me, the dearest thing on earth,
Like one who gives a jewel unweeting of its worth.
'T was when the Earth her green lap spreads for Summer's gorgeous gifts,
And plump for kisses of the Sun her ripen'd cheek up-lifts,
When maiden May was caught and kiss'd in arms of lusty June,
He newly strung my harp of life, and play'd its sweetest tune.
O, I had been content to live in cottage built of clay,
So I might see and bless him, when he chanced to pass that way!

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But to his heart he claspt me, with a look of glorious pride,
And to his home he took me, and he crown'd me for his Bride.