THE ANSWER

I made my bed beneath the pines

Where the sea washed the sandy bars;

I heard the music of the winds,

And blest the aureate face of Mars.

All night a lilac splendor throve

Above the heaven's shadowy verge;

And in my heart the voice of love

Kept music with the dreaming surge.

A little maid was at my side —

She slept — I scarcely slept at all;

Until toward the morning-tide

A dream possessed me with its thrall.

She sweetly breathed; around my breast

I felt her warmth like drowsy bliss,

Then came the vision of unrest —

I saw your face and felt your kiss.

I woke and knew with what dismay

She read my secret and surprise;

She only said, “Again‘ tis day!

How red your cheeks, how bright your eyes!”