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IN SUMMER NIGHTS.
The jasmines, in their deep dream life, Across the open window-placeRoll their luxurious air, and slow, Stealing along from space to space,Wafts of an arch enchantment blow Where the great white magnolias lift Their cups and let the sweetness drift.
Lonely, and mute, and masked, and sweet, When, hear! A sigh, a low reply,Another, and another still, A flute-note, then a rapturous cry,And all abroad in answering trill, As if boughs swung in breezy glee, The mocking-birds are whistling free.
Ah, what an ecstasy of tune Breaks the dead shadow of the night!Gush after gush its warble wells, Song over song it scales the height,Broad-breasted on the silvery swells; Then ceases in a sudden pride, With the full echo far and wide.
