On A Bank Of Flowers

On a bank of flowers in a summer day

    For summer lightly drest,

The youthful, blooming Nelly lay,

    With love and sleep opprest;

When Willie, wand'ring thro the wood

    Who for her favour oft had suedÑ

He gaz'd, he wish'd He fear'd, he blush'd

    And trembled where he stood.

Her closèd eyes, like weapons sheath'd,

    Were sealed in soft repose;

Her lips, still as she fragrant breath'd,

    It richer dyed the rose.

The springing lilies, sweetly Crest,

    Wild-wanton kissed her rival breast:

He gaz'd, he wish'd, He fear'd he blush'd

    His bosom ill at rest.

Her robes, light-waving

in the breeze,

    Her tender limbs embrace;

Her lovely form, her native ease,

    All harmony and grace.

Tumultuous tides his pulses roll,

    A faltering, ardent kiss he stole;

He gaz'd, he wish'd, He fear'd, he blush'd,

    And sigh'd his very soul.

As flies the partridge from the brake

    On fear-inspired wings

So Nelly starting, half-awake

    Away affrighted springs.

But Willie, follow'd—-as he should

    He overtook her in the wood;

He vow'd, he pray'd, He found the maid

    Forgiving all, and good.