Classic Poem

I gazed on a beautiful picture
That adorned my friend's rude wall,
Not after Michael Angelo's painting,
Nor Titian,—not at all.

A sketch from some humble artist,
A bit of landscape view,
Of lovely rural scenery,—
Perhaps you have seen it, too.

The scene was not uncommon,
'Twas neither ancient nor rare,
The colorings were not gorgeous,
Though penciled with every care.

It told the old, old story,
Of “love's young happy dream,”
The artist's favorite study,
And the poet's fav'rite theme.

With cap pushed back from his forehead,
A handsome youth, slim and tall,
In a broad pasture field is leaning
Over a well's high wall.

A neighboring girl stands by him,
Modest, shy and sweet;
Underneath her short petticoat, showing
A pair of pretty, bare feet.

The cows from the trough that are drinking,
And the blue-bird just above,
Were all that heard what these two said,
Thrilled with young dreams of love.