The heaven so softly azure,

The sun so full of life!

And everywhere youth and maiden,
Was happy man and wife.

They watched the yellowing harvest,
Stood where cool water starts;
They plucked flowers for each other,
And with them gave their hearts.

The larks, how they singing hovered
And streamed gladness from above!
How high in the listening bosoms
Rose the flame of youthful love!

In the locks of the blithe youngsters
The west wind loved to play,-
And lifted with colder finger,
My hair already gray.

Ah! I heard song and laughter,

And it went to my heart's core ;— O, were I again in boyhood!

Were I free and young once more!

DALE!

128

LOVE IN IDLENESS.

LOVE IN IDLENESS.

WHEN comes the beauteous summer time,
And grass grows green once more,
And sparkling brooks the meadows lave

With fertilizing power;

And when the birds rejoicing sing
Their pleasant songs again,

Filling the vales and woodlands gay
With their enlivening strain ;-
Go not at eve nor morn, fair maids,
Unto the mead alone,

To seek the tender violets blue,

And pluck them for your own;
For there a snake lies hid, whose fangs
May leave untouched the heel,

But not the less,-O, not the less,
Your hearts his power shall feel!