Yes, Peace and Love might build a nest The once fond dreams of young Ambition, And Glory's light should lure in vain, Lest it should lead to Love's perdition; Another light should round me shine, Beloved, from those eyes of thine!' Ah, Gilbert! happy should I be Such as the joy that now I feel. And more she yet would say, and strives to speak, But warm, fast tears begin to course her cheek, And sobs to choke her; so, reclining still Her head upon his breast, she weeps her fill: And all so lovely in those joyous tears At last she lifts her drooping head, And, with her delicate fingers, dashes The tears away that hang like pearls Upon her soft eyes' silken lashes: Then hand in hand they take their way O'er the green meadow gemmed with dew, And up the hill, and through the wood, And by the streamlet, bright and blue, And sit them down upon a stone With mantling mosses overgrown, That stands beside her cottage door, And oft repeat, When next they meet, That time shall never part them more. He's gone! Ah no! he lingers yet, And all her sorrow, who can tell? As gazing on her face he takes His last and passionate farewell? 'One kiss! said he, 'and I depart With thy dear image in my heart: The lightnings rend its tall masts three; The lightnings cannot strike me down May pass o'er my head in saucy scorn; In the ocean dells The ships, the crews, and the captains lie, May pleasant breezes waft them home |