Volume Ii Part 16 (1/2)

But now her looks are coy and cold, To mine they ne'er reply, And yet I cease not to behold The love-light in her eye: Her very frowns are fairer far Than smiles of other maidens are.

Hartley Coleridge [1796-1849]

SONG

A violet in her lovely hair, A rose upon her bosom fair!

But O, her eyes A lovelier violet disclose, And her ripe lips the sweetest rose That's 'neath the skies.

A lute beneath her graceful hand Breathes music forth at her command; But still her tongue Far richer music calls to birth Than all the minstrel power on earth Can give to song.

And thus she moves in tender light, The purest ray, where all is bright, Serene, and sweet; And sheds a graceful influence round, That hallows e'en the very ground Beneath her feet!

Charles Swain [1801-1874]

EILEEN AROON

When like the early rose, Eileen Aroon!

Beauty in childhood blows, Eileen Aroon!

When, like a diadem, Buds blush around the stem, Which is the fairest gem?-- Eileen Aroon!

Is it the laughing eye, Eileen Aroon!

Is it the timid sigh, Eileen Aroon!

Is it the tender tone, Soft as the stringed harp's moan?

O, it is truth alone,-- Eileen Aroon!

When like the rising day, Eileen Aroon!

Love sends his early ray, Eileen Aroon!

What makes his dawning glow, Changeless through joy or woe?

Only the constant know:-- Eileen Aroon!

I know a valley fair, Eileen Aroon!

I knew a cottage there, Eileen Aroon!

Far in that valley's shade I knew a gentle maid, Flower of a hazel glade,-- Eileen Aroon!

Who in the song so sweet?

Eileen Aroon!

Who in the dance so fleet?

Eileen Aroon!

Dear were her charms to me Dearer her laughter free, Dearest her constancy,-- Eileen Aroon!