Metrical essays :: :: University of Virginia Library

“I would have rather been a slave,
In tears, in bondage, by her side,
Than shared in all, if wanting her,
This world had power to give beside.”
L. E. L.

I

It was the maid of Monaco
Walk'd forth in the grey twilight,
To list the shadowy waters flow,
To gaze on the gentle night:
And never was seen more beautiful maid,
In morning sunlight or in evening shade.

II

Soft ringlets, like a golden shower,
O'er her graceful bosom hung;
Eyes—ne'er had azure eyes such power;
O! her voice was odours sung:

A lover will comprehend this line—none else.

Her footsteps like dews on the sleeping ground,
When they press the grass with a light sweet sound.

III

I followed with an eager tread;
In a soft and fault'ring tone
I spoke, I know not what I said,
I but knew we were alone;
I but knew I had watch'd—I had pray'd to see
This moment, to speak my idolatry.

IV

She heard me with a virgin grace,
With a mild and bashful air;
And as I gazed upon her face,
A blush sprung trembling there;
O! ne'er is love's cheek so dear to the eye
So pure, as when rosed by young modesty.

V

She spoke not; 'twas enough for me
She had heard—did not deride;
I cared not if I might but be
Thus gazing, and by her side:
In this pause was bliss inexpressible;
Had she spoken her voice had destroyed the spell.

VI

Daylight hath risen—but never set
On the fountain's crystal flow,
But on that spot again I've met
The young maid of Monaco.
She has told her love; I have heard with pride—
This rose of my heart will become my bride!