Classic Poem

We rov'd, methought, one summer's day,
Through some delightful silent glade,
Where crystal fountains ever play,
And wild-flowers deck the fragrant shade.

And we resolv'd to gather those,
Which bloom'd all brilliant, bright, and fair,
And did more tints than one disclose,
And lent a perfume to the air.

Determining within some bower,
To part the tints so sweet to see,
And half of every shining flower
Should my dearest's portion be.

I gather'd one all bright to view,
And ask'd my love the flowret's name,
" Yon little plant, " saith she, " hath two ,
" And well they're known by nymph and dame.

" 'Tis Heart's-ease call'd by shepherds all;
" But lovers, when the leaves they press,
" In verdant field, or banquet hall,
" Oft call it " Love and idleness ." "

Say then, my love, which half divine,
Of this sweet flower thine shall be:
Say, which shall deck this breast of mine,
And bloom for ever lovelily.

" The Heart's-ease , love, the Heart's-ease , dear,
" Oh place it on thy bosom fair,
" And every long delicious year,
" Oh may it bloom in fragrance there.

" For Heart's-ease , love, I should not grieve,
" If thus it deck'd a breast divine,
" And the false world might still deceive,
" If Love and idleness were mine. "