IN THY CLEAR EYES.
In thy clear eyes, fairest, I see
Sometimes of love a transient glow;
But ere my heart assured may be,
With cold disdain thou mockest me:
Hope fades as songs to silence flow.
Ah! most bewitching, mocking she,
Fairer than poet's dream may show,
The glance of scorn how can I dree
In thy clear eyes?
Life is so brief, and to and fro,
Like thistledown above the lea,
Fly on poor days; why then so slow
To bend from pride? Let us bliss know
Ere age the light dims ruthlessly
In thy clear eyes.
Arlo Bates.