To loiter arm in arm on summer eves

By hedge-rows,[1252] or through fields[1253] of long-grown grass

Where breath’d sweet-scented breezes all around,[1254]

And birds sang anthems to the dying day;

Or wonder where the murm’ring river ran,[1255]

While tales of love gave birth to cheerful smiles.

And just as pleasant in the winter-tide

To tread the hard, crisp roads; and watch the stars,

That look’d like angel-lovers gladd’ning Earth,

While we humm’d homely airs, and never dreamt