THE SILENT ONE

The moon to-night is like the sun

Through blossomed branches seen;

Come out with me, dear silent one,

And trip it on the green.

“Nay, Lad, go you within its light,

Nor stay to urge me so —

‘ Twas on another moonlit night

My heart broke long ago.”

Oh loud and high the pipers play

To speed the dancers on;

Come out and be as glad as they,

Oh, little Silent one.

“Nay, Lad, where all your mates are met

Go you the selfsame way,

Another dance I would forget

Wherein I too was gay.”

But here you sit long day by day

With those whose joys are done;

What mates these townfolk old and grey

For you dear Silent one.

“Nay, Lad, they're done with joys and fears.

Rare comrades should we prove,

For they are very old with years

And I am old with love.”