Or shall we haply go together to the lake,
That 'neath the dusky leaves of water-flowers is hid?
Alder and willow-shades above the water shake,
The dragon-fly dips wings of amethyst amid
A fabled castle's crystal dome.
Thou too, the Naiads' sister, findest there thy home!
Or lov'st thou more the corn-field with its billowy grain,
Where echoing melodies of flies and crickets dart.
Thou rovest with thy musings o'er the grassy plain,
Plucking with joyous fingers ear on ear apart.
Or wouldst thou in the clover-field,
Seek hours of joy, whose light is in thine eyes revealed?
Come, for the sun's first splendour on the country falls,
His sheen is in thy heart, like to a thread of gold,
Entrust to him thy steps, and gain love's heavenly halls,
Where youth doth to thy lips its draught of nectar hold.
What is it nigh my head doth sound?
As though were flung a cymbal on the grassy ground.
“Eclogues and Songs” (1880).
5. FOREST PHANTASY.
Dear God, such strangeness comes o'er me,
As if 'neath boughs a bird's-nest I might see,
In the dark wood where shady rocks are piled;
And I this nest, with dulcet songs bespread
'Mid tree-dimmed air
Should homewards bear.
Thus bear I happiness, but feel this dread, —
Will it abide unharmed, O tell me, child!
“Eclogues and Songs” (1880).
