FLORAL CEREMONIES. 135 



They bend above the moonlit stream 

 With gathered fruit and flowers 



The last on which the sun has left 

 The earlier rosy hours. 



One sends a vow to him afar 



Oh ! never can the heart 

 Know half the love it cherishes 



Until it comes to part. 



A thousand things are then recalled, 

 Though scarcely marked at first ; 



But lingering thoughts in after hours 

 Betray how they were nurs'd. 



Another sends a little boat 

 Upon its happier way ; 

 She knows to-morrow will restore 

 The eyes she loved to-day. 



They bend with all the eager hopes, 



The confidence of youth, 

 Which makes the future it believes, 



And trusts itself with truth. 



