Poems (Nealds)/Stanzas (At eve I wander'd down the vale)

by Adeline Martha Nealds

For works with similar titles, see Stanzas.

STANZAS.

At eve I wander'd down the vale,
 To breathe the mild refreshing air,
Where lovers tell the tender tale
 To many a beauteous blushing fair.

With sweet, yet sorrowing delight,
 I gaz'd upon the lovely scene;
All Nature clad in vestments bright,
 The blue sky clear, the air serene.

Full many a beauteous blushing maid
 I saw as wand'ring down that vale;
But onward still my footsteps stray'd,—
 I told to none the tender tale.

My thoughts were sad—for once my breast
 Had throbb'd with passion's wildest thrill,
But now its idol is at rest—
 Then sure my heart might well be still.

Oh! she I lov'd was lovelier far
 Than coinage of the poet's brain;
A mild benignant beaming star,
 Which ne'er can shine on me again.

Yet hold—for though from me she's torn,
 Her influence still is o'er me shed,
Soon shall I cease her loss to mourn,
 Soon shall I seek her 'mongst the dead.