RHYME OF JOYOUS GUARD 



The brown thrush sang through the briar and 



bower, 

 All flush'd or frosted with forest flower 



In the warm sun's wanton glances ; 

 And I grew deaf to the song-bird — blind 

 To blossom that sweeten'd the sweet spring 



wind — 

 I saw her only — a girl reclined 



In her girlhood's indolent trances. 



And the song and the scent and sense wax'd 



weak, 

 The wild rose withered beside the cheek 



She poised on her fingers slender, 

 The soft spun gold of her glittering hair 

 Ran rippling into a wondrous snare, 

 That flooded the round arm bright and bare 



And the shoulder's silvery splendour. 



The deep dusk fires in those dreamy eyes, 

 Like seas clear-coloured in summer skies. 



Were guiltless of future treason ; 

 And I stood watching her, still and mute, 

 Yet the evil seed in my soul found root. 

 And the sad plant throve, and the sinful fruit 



Grew ripe in the shameful season. 

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