II

The shaded lamps that make the room seem dim

Scarcely revealing pictures on the wall;

Yet one so placed to let a halo fall

Upon your hair; you smile! yes, it's a whim

A Poet's fancy with a moonlit rim

Perhaps—and yet a harmless wish withal.

Don't quarrel with it, just sit there, those tall

White lilies make a background for your slim

Young body. Let the blinds be up, and night

Gaze through the windows with her purple eyes,

Dropping some ardent star from out its height

For very eagerness of glad surprise

At so much beauty, till your song's delight

Shall waft it back into the listening skies!