I
tremble now to think what might have been, if--And just think what a
whole life would be with such a person! I don't believe, though, any
girl could have withstood him, unless her heart--I believe I should
certainly have loved him, if"--
"If what, and unless what?" I asked, drawing her close up to me, as if
that dangerous youth had still power to take her from me.
She looked up so roguishly,--
"You ought to know; you took the chapter to study."
Oh, my innocent little country-girl! If I were a poet, I'd write a song
in your praise; and if I were a musician, I'd set it to music. But the
poetry is in my heart; and 'tis set to music there.
* * * * *
SWEET-BRIER.
Tender of words should singer be,
Sweet-Brier, who would tell of thee;
One who has drunk with eager lip
And treasured thy companionship;
One who has sought thee far and wide,
In early dew, with morning pride;
To whom thou art no new-made friend,
Whose memories on thy breath attend.
For such thou art a lemon-grove,
Where wandering orient odors rove,--
Yet loyal ever to thy home,
The valley where the north winds roam.
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