on a bank of flowers（1/1）

on a bank of flowers

on a bank of flowers, in a summer day,

for summer lightly drest,

the youthful, blooming nelly lay,

with love and sleep opprest;

when willie, wand'ring thro' the wood,

who for her favour oft had sued;

he gaz'd, he wish'd

he fear'd, he blush'd,

and trembled where he stood.

her closed eyes, like weapons sheath'd,

were seal'd in soft repose;

her lip, still as she fragrant breath'd,

it richer dyed the rose;

the springing lilies, sweetly prest,

wild-wanton kissed her rival breast;

he gaz'd, he wish'd,

he mear'd, he blush'd,

his bosom ill at rest.

her robes, light-waving in the breeze,

her tender limbs embrace;

her lovely form, her native ease,

all harmony and grace;

tumultuous tides his pulses roll,

a faltering, ardent kiss he stole;

he gaz'd, he wish'd,

he fear'd, he blush'd,

and sigh'd his very soul.

as flies the partridge from the brake,

on fear-inspired wings,

so nelly, starting, half-awake,

away affrighted springs;

but willie follow'd—as he should,

he overtook her in the wood;

he vow'd, he pray'd,

he found the maid

forgiving all, and good.