First Love
BY the pulse that beats in my throat
By my heart like a bird
I know who passed through the dusk
Though he spoke no word!
I cannot move in my place,
I am chained and still;
I pray that the moon pause not
By my window-sill.
I have hidden my face in my hair
And my eyes are veiled—
Not even a star must know
How my lips have paled—
Was ever a night so quick
’Neath a moon so round?
I hear the earth as it turns—
And my heart’s low sound!
Sad One, Must You Weep
“SAD one, must you weep alway?
Youth’s ill wedded with despair;
Ringless hand and robe of grey
Mock the charms which they declare.”
Sad and sweetly answered she,
“What are comely robes to me?
I would wear a grass green dress,
Dew pearls for my gems—no less
Now can comfort me.”
“Sweet, the shining of your hair
(All forgotten and undone)
Squanders ’neath the veil you wear
Gold whose loss bereaves the sun.”
Very sad and low said she,
“What is shining hair to me?
When from out the rain-wet mold
Kingcups borrow of its gold
Sweet and sweet ’twill be.”