“Come, Love, be mine,” the boy implored;

And from his fresh young heart there pour’d

Full streams of life that flush’d his face

And thrill’d his breast for Love’s embrace.

“Nay, nay; not yet,” his Love replied;

“The worth of boyhood must be tried.”

So, like the spring’s uncertain sun,

Love lured his hope; but was not won.

“Come, Love, be mine,” the young man pray’d,

As if some angel were the maid;