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 su'd-
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 lips, still as she fragrant breath'd,
It richer dyed the rose.
The springing lilies, sweetly prest,
Wild-wanton kiss'd her rival breast:
He gaz'd, he wish'd,He fear'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 ear'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,
Awar 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.