It was in autumn that I met Her whom I love; the sunflowers bold Stood up like guards around her set, And all the air with mignonette Was warm within the garden old; Beside her feet the marigold Glowed star-like, and the sweet-pea sent A sigh to follow as she went Slowly adown the terrace; - there I saw thee, oh my love! and thou wert fair. She stood in the full noonday, unafraid, As one beloved of sunlight, for awhile She leant upon the timeworn balustrade; The white clematis wooed her, and the clove Hung all its burning heart upon her smile; And on her cheek and in her eyes was love; And on her lips that, like an opening rose, Seemed parting some sweet secret to disclose, The soul of all the summer lingered; - there I saw thee, oh my love! and thou wert fair. |