Sing again the song you sung
When we were together young—
When there were but you and I
Underneath the summer sky.
Sing the song, and o'er and o'er
Though I know that nevermore
Will it seem the song you sung
When we were together young.
George William Curtis [1824-1892]
THE WATER LADY
Alas, the moon should ever beam
To show what man should never see!
I saw a maiden on a stream,
And fair was she!
I stayed awhile, to see her throw
Her tresses back, that all beset
The fair horizon of her brow
With clouds of jet.
I stayed a little while to view
Her cheek, that wore, in place of red,
The bloom of water, tender blue,
Daintily spread.
I stayed to watch, a little space,
Her parted lips if she would sing;
The waters closed above her face
With many a ring.
And still I stayed a little more:
Alas, she never comes again!
I throw my flowers from the shore,
And watch in vain.