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 lip, still as she fragrant breath'd
It richer dy’d 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 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.