WILD CLEMATIS. 



Right and left I scanned the landscape round, 

 Every shape, and scent, and wild bird's call, 



Every color, curve, and gentle sound, 

 Deep into my heart I gathered all. 



Up I looked, and down upon the sod 



Sprinkled thick with violets blue and bright, 



" Surely, 'Through His garden walketh God,' " 

 Low I whispered, full of my delight. 



Like a vision on the path before 



Came a little rosy, sun-browned maid, 



Straying toward me from her cottage door, 

 Paused, up-looking shyly, half afraid. 



Never word she spake, but gazing so, 



Slow a smile rose to her clear brown eyes. 



Overflowed her face with such a glow 



That I thrilled with sudden, sweet surprise. 



Here was sunshine 'neath the cloudy skies ! 



Low I knelt, to bring her face to mine : 

 Sweeter, brighter grew her shining eyes, 



Yet she gave me neither word nor sign- 



