I LOVE THE NIGHT. I LOVE the night when the moon streams bright On flowers that drink the dew, When cascades shout as the stars peep out, From boundless fields of blue; But dearer far than moon or star, Or flowers of gaudy hue, Or murmuring trills of mountain rills, I love, I love, love-you! I love to stray at the close of day, Through groves of linden trees, When gushing notes from song-birds' throats Are vocal in the breeze. I love the night—the glorious night! When hearts beat warm and true; But far above the night, I love, I love, I love, love-you! THE MAY QUEEN. LIKE flights of singing-birds went by The cheerful hours of girlhood's day, When, in my native bowers, Of simple buds and flowers They wove a crown and hail'd me Queen of May. Like airy sprites the lasses came, Spring's offerings at my feet to lay ; The crystal from the fountain, The green-boughs from the mountain They brought to cheer and shade the Queen of May. Around the May-pole on the green, A fairy ring they tripp'd away ; To chords of tuneful measure, They bounded by the happy Queen of May. Though years have pass'd and time has strewn My raven locks with flakes of gray, Fond memory brings the hours Of buds and blossom-showers When in girlhood I was crown'd the Queen of May. VENETIAN SERENADE. COME, come to me, love! Come love! Arise! And shame the bright stars With the light of thine eyes; Look out from thy lattice, Oh lady, appear! A swan on the water, My gondola's near! Come, come to me, love! We'll tranquilly glide: In the dip of the oar A melody flows Sweet as the nightingale Sings to the rose. |