An Offer of a Lodging

Little maid of the yellow curls

You look sad as you pass my window.

You look as though you would like to creep into some warm nest,

And hide your golden head.

Oh, look, little maid! I have made you a nest!

Creep into it, and I will hide you away,

Quietly, in the nest of my heart,

I will wrap you around with verses and cover you with fair thoughts.

There is yet one little corner left,

Free from the world's defilement;

One little corner where not a breath of wrong

Shall enter to disturb your slumbering.

And I will cherish you there

In the nest you will make so pure.

I will hold you and guard you safe from the snares of the stony streets.

Be at peace, little maid, and lie in trust;

For though my feet may stumble, and I may fall,

The corner that houses you I will ever keep whole.