“ My lady ! you were little then :1
Twelve years were mine ;2
Soon forgotten were your lovers,3
All left to pine.4
“ When we played among the others,5
You still I sought ;6
When small hands were intertwining7
’Twas yours I caught.8
“ As in gold and purple glory,9
Poised o’er the rose,10
Tells the butterfly his story,11
All his heart glows ;12
“ Leaf by leaf, still nearer drawing,13
Is yet too shy14
All the honey-dew to gather15
She holds so nigh.16
“ So my heart was yearning wildly17
Your lips to press ;18
’Twas your slender fingers only19
I dared caress.20
“ Through me thrilled a sudden rapture,21
Then as keen woe ;22
What gave joy and pain such meeting ?23
Love—long ago.24
“ Twelve years only—and a lover !25
’Tis not common.26
You too, Lady, were you feeling27
Like a woman ?28
“ Did there come some thought bewildering29
As, half afraid,30
With your frock and with your Dolly31
You stood and played ?32
“ If I praised,—too soon a poet—33
Your tiny feet,34
Too soon fair, you leant and touched me35
With magic sweet.36
“ I at least have ne’er forgotten37
That even-tide,38
When we set up house together,—39
Bridegroom and bride.40
“ Gems you dreamed of, I dreamed over41
My vow to you !42
Both were older than our years were,43
Both different too !44
“ We played at the dance and dinner,—45
You wished it so,—46
Said that proper weddings must have47
Some pomp and show.48
“ You enjoyed it as a pastime,49
I thought it true,50
Told my love aloud, and whispered51
‘ Dearest’ to you.52
“ On your cheek I ventured, dreaming,53
One kiss to leave.54
Play for me has all been over55
Since that spring eve.”56