Part 8 (2/2)

But though I did not dare to chance a lingering look, an open gaze Upon your beauty's blinding rays, I ventured many a stolen glance.

I fancy, too, (but could not state what trick of mind the fancy caused) At times your eyes upon me paused, and marked my figure lithe and straight.

Once when my eyes met yours it seemed that in your cheek, despite your pride, A flush arose and swiftly died; or was it something that I dreamed?

Within your radiance like the star of morning, there I stood and served, Close by, unheeded, un.o.bserved. You were so near, and, yet, so far.

Ah! just to stretch my hand and touch the musky sandals on your feet!-- My breaking heart! of rapture sweet it never could have held so much.

Oh, beauty-haunted memory! Your face so proud, your eyes so calm, Your body like a slim young palm, and sinuous as a willow tree.

Caught up beneath your slender arms, and girdled 'round your supple waist, A robe of curious silk that graced, but only scarce concealed your charms.

A golden band about your head, a crimson jewel at your throat Which, when the sunlight on it smote, turned to a living heart and bled.

But, oh, that mystic bleeding stone, that work of Nature's magic art, Which mimicked so a wounded heart, could never bleed as did my own!

Now after ages long and sad, in this stern land we meet anew; No more a princess proud are you, and I--I am no serving lad.

And yet, dividing us, I meet a wider gulf than that which stood Between a princess of the blood and him who served low at her feet.

THE REWARD

No greater earthly boon than this I crave, That those who some day gather 'round my grave, In place of tears, may whisper of me then, ”He sang a song that reached the hearts of men.”

JINGLES & CROONS

SENCE YOU WENT AWAY

Seems lak to me de stars don't s.h.i.+ne so bright, Seems lak to me de sun done loss his light, Seems lak to me der's nothin' goin' right, Sence you went away.

Seems lak to me de sky ain't half so blue, Seems lak to me dat ev'ything wants you, Seems lak to me I don't know what to do, Sence you went away.

Seems lak to me dat ev'ything is wrong, Seems lak to me de day's jes twice as long, Seems lak to me de bird's forgot his song, Sence you went away.

Seems lak to me I jes can't he'p but sigh, Seems lak to me ma th'oat keeps gittin' dry, Seems lak to me a tear stays in ma eye, Sence you went away.

<script>