THROUGH our wild wood-walks here, Sunbright and shady, Free as the forest deer Roams a lone lady: Far from her castle keep, Down in the valley, Roams she, by dingle deep, Green holm, and alley, With her sweet presence bright Gladd'ning my dwelling -- Oh, fair her face of light, Past the tongue's telling! Woe was me E'er to see Beauty to shining; Ever since, hourly, Have I been pining! In our blithe sports' debates Down by the river, I, of my merry mates, Foremost was ever; Skilfullest with my flute Leading the maidens, heark'ning by moonlight mute To its sweet cadence; Sprightliest in the dance Tripping together -- Such a one was I once Ere she came hither! Woe was me E'er to see Beauty so shining; Ever since, hourly, Have I been pining! Loud now my comrades laugh As I pass by them; Broadsword and quarter-staff, No more I ply them: Coy now the maidens frown, Wanting their dances; How can their faces brown Win one, who fancies Even an angel's face Dark to be seen would Be, by the Lily-grace Gladd'ning the greenwood? Woe was me E'er to see Beauty so shining; Ever since, hourly, Have I been pining! Wolf, by my broken bow Idle is lying, While through the woods I go, All the day, sighing, Tracing her footsteps small Through the moss'd cover, Hiding then, breathless all, At the sight of her, Lest my rude gazing should From her haunt scare her -- Oh, what a solitude Wanting her, there were! Woe was me E'er to see Beauty so shining; Ever since, hourly, Have I been pining! |