The village maid steals through the shade,
Her shepherd's suit to hear;
To beauty shy, by lattice high,
Sings highborn Cavalier.
The star of Love, all stars above,
Now reigns o'er earth and sky;
And high and low the influence know—
But where is County Guy?
Sir Walter Scott.
EVENING.
The sun upon the lake is low,
The wild birds hush their song;
The hills have evening's deepest glow,
Yet Leonard tarries long.
Now all whom varied toil and care
From home and love divide,
In the calm sunset may repair
Each to the loved one's side.
The noble dame on turret high,
Who waits her gallant knight,
Looks to the western beam to spy
The flash of armor bright.
The village maid, with hand on brow
The level ray to shade,
Upon the footpath watches now
For Colin's darkening plaid.
Now to their mates the wild swans row,
By day they swam apart;
And to the thicket wanders slow
The hind beside the hart.
The wood lark at his partner's side
Twitters his closing song—
All meet whom day and care divide,—
But Leonard tarries long!
Sir Walter Scott.