72
COASTING.
The little maiden raised her eyes, To his with timid look.Now said the elder, "I will give, Your playthings and my book."
"But Kate shall ride with me to day, Because she likes me best,"The little head bent down, and tears, Fell on the ragged vest.
******
Ten summers filled with spicy bloom, Ten winters with their snows,Have past and all the perfumed air, Floats, burdened with the flowers,And little Kate has taller grown, And at her cottage door,There stands a prancing team of bays, And he who claimed her years before,Pleads with a lover's-earnest tone, For her sweet lips to bless,Her bridal vow, for holds she not, His lifetime's happiness?
"Oh! wealth is strong, and woman weak, Proud Kate replied, but I,Will have first, love and honest worth, And true heart's chivalry."A tall form through the open door, Passed, and her proud cheek flushed,
