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SUMMER ON THE LAKES.
| A maiden sat beneath the tree, |
| Tear-bedewed her pale cheeks be, |
| And she sigheth heavily. |
| From forth the wood into the light, |
| A hunter strides with carol light, |
| And a glance so bold and bright. |
| He careless stopped and eyed the maid; |
| “Why weepest thou?” he gently said, |
| “I love thee well; be not afraid.” |
| He takes her hand, and leads her on; |
| She should have waited there alone, |
| For he was not her chosen one. |
| He leans her head upon his breast, |
| She knew 't was not her home of rest, |
| But ah! she had been sore distrest. |
| The sacred stars looked sadly down; |
| The parting moon appeared to frown, |
| To see thus dimmed the diamond crown. |
| Then from the thicket starts a deer, |
| The huntsman, seizing on his spear, |
| Cries, “Maiden, wait thou for me here.” |
| She sees him vanish into night, |
| She starts from sleep in deep affright, |
| For it was not her own true knight. |
| Though but in dream Gunhilda failed; |
| Though but a fancied ill assailed, |
| Though she but fancied fault bewailed. |
