On a Midsummer’s Eve.
It is the same sharp crescent moon,1
A polished silver bow ;2
The roses blush as red this June3
As fifty years ago :4
They are not older by a day,5
’Tis you and I that change,6
For a boy’s life and a man’s life7
Take in a different range !8
It was on such a lovely night9
After a burning day,10
In just this vivid changing light,11
We first saw Blossom May—12
Her eyes like stars, her pretty face13
With summer suns embrown’d—14
As she curtsey’d to the Lady Moon15
And turn’d her money round !16
The breezes ruffled o’er her brow17
And stirr’d her wavy hair,18
I almost think I see her now19
Just as we saw her there ;20
Your very soul was in your gaze,21
You had no thought of scorn,22
When Superstition wore that guise,23
Tho’ you were London born !24
’Neath yonder trees she hurried by25
With eager flying feet,26
“ Good-night, Good-night,” we heard her cry,27
Far down the village street ;28
“ I’ve ducks to set, and eggs to sell,29
And, lest my luck should pass,30
I could not choose to bide indoors31
And see the moon thro’ glass ! ”32
When all the days are bright and clear,33
And all the world is young,34
Then lovers’ ears are quick to hear,35
And soft the lovers’ tongue ;36
’Twas right good luck you had, I say,37
Give everything its due,38
For the moon smiled down on her, lad,39
And then she smiled on you !40
Ah, well ! and so the story ends41
As all such stories will ;42
And you and I were always friends,43
Good friends and neighbours still :44
But you, I know, have loved yon moon45
Down to this very day—46
When you’ve a grandchild on your knee47
With eyes like Blossom May !48