THE WOOD LILY 



RUSTIC BEAUTY, 



THE RUSTIC MAIDEN'S LOVE 



BY ELIZABETH OAKES SMITH. 



I came to thee in work-day dress, 



And hair but plainly kempt ; 

 For life is not all holy-day 



From toil and care exempt ; 

 I met thee oft with glowing cheek, 



For love its tale ■will tell — 

 But then its after paleness told 



A tale of grief as well, 



I sought for no bewildering lure 



Thy senses to beguile ; 

 But checked the woman playfulness, 



The witching tone and smile — 

 With household look, and household words 



And frank, as maidens greet, 

 I dared with earnest, homely truth 



Thy manliness to meet. 



