In summer, when the last faint rays from western sky has fled,
When earth wraps round her evening's cloak and day has gone to bed,
When moonlight glinting through the trees fantastic patterns trace,
And starry lamps illuminate the corridors of space,
When shining morn and burning day within the night's cool arms,
Rest from the pageant of the day, forgetful of their charms,
Then stirs my heart, with yearnings sweet
Is thrilled as from above,
Then for eternity I pray,
With you, with you, my love.
LOVE'S MIRACLE
She stood in maiden loveliness serene,
Of fawn-like grace, and beauty rare of face,
Fair prey I deemed, for I had but to lean
To kiss her or to hold in my embrace.
And yet I paused, I hardly knew the why,
I said she, as the others, is fair game;
No guardian stood above her but the sky,
And yet I paused, the beast within me tame.
Her pure eyes fronted mine so unafraid,
And in their depths dwelt such a wondrous charm,
It seemed to wrap a glory round the maid,
That banished evil and the power to harm.
And somehow there the evil in me died,
As in a dream afraid I seemed to stand,
I am unworthy, all my being cried,
And yet she smiled, nor could I understand.
Days passed, once more beneath the sky,
As one enchanted, I beside her walked,
Drinking the freshness of her spirit high,
In a new world that blossomed as she talked.
"How beautiful the bird's song is!" she said,
And, lo, the singing came surpassing sweet,
"See how the flowers bloom all rosy red!"
I looked, and saw them springing at our feet.