AGNES OF *IGH SUNDERLAND. lOT 



Moved softly ; or breathlessly bent o'er his form ; 

 And she sighed in leturn, the' he did nut hear it, 



And his cold brow was bathed with her tear-drops so warm. 

 Gently she put back the curls from hia forehead. 



As he lay in that slumber so welcome and deep, 

 And his lips mutely moved as thi)' he ador'd 



The angel that watched and that wept o'er his sleep, 

 She tended him lovinijly as tho' a bro'her. 



Until his eyes slow')' uncuriained, looked out. 

 Then with eloquent glances they gazed at each other, 



Both speechless in wonder, — cmbarassed with doubt 

 And when the choice viands and wine had refreshed him, 



He told o'er the perils and dingeis just passed, 

 And in tones sympathetic the maiden addressed him 



So sweetly he feared the fond dream could not last. — 

 Vainly men boast of the tongue's subtle power. 



But eves speak — tho' dumbly, more eloquent still, 

 And the two as they sat and talked hoar after hour, 



Looked long looks of love such as bosoms can fill 

 With a longing so strong, yet so strange that it seems 



A pleasure unceitain, like joys mi-^t in dreams. 



Hours pa-sed, and unconsciously nearer and nearer, 



They drew each to each, and in soft undertone. 

 They whimpering spake, — as tho' each sound grew dearer, 



But what they spake ears never hiard, save their own, 

 Her fair furm his strong arm slowly, but surely 



Encircled, — until her bright ringlets of gold 

 Lay strewn o'er his breast, while ber hand lay demurely. 



And strove not to gain a release from his hold. — 

 Love he was speaking, and love she was dreaming, 



But .''he did not, (tho' loTiging) she dared not consent 

 And like glittering dew from a \i<det gleaming, 



Fell tears from her eyes but she did not relent. 

 Her love for her ftilher, — her feelings of duty, 



Refi-ained her from words, tho' her heart had apiiroved 

 And vainly he dwelt on the theme of her beauty. 



She heard, and she wept, — yet she feared, tho she loved. 



Why did nature give thee eyes 



Bright and dazzling as the son, 

 Clothe thy che Us in rosoae dyes. 



If thy charms wo oa^hc to shun t 



