Classic Poem

Where wild flowers were and rippling grass,
I chanced upon a country lass;
" Was never lovelier home, " I said.
She hung her head, blushed very red,
Then raised her eyes, as maidens will, —
" My heart, my heart lives over the hill. "

So fair she was, and so afraid,
I could not quiz the little maid;
So over hilltop must I ride
To see what could be on the other side.
Her words went, too, as sweet words will, —
" My heart, my heart lives over the hill. "

I crossed the hill, looked everywhere,
And asked if a little red heart lived there.
I was sure it did, so I rode along
Till I heard the burden of a song;
Sang the lad o' the mill, as lads they will, —
" My heart, my heart lives over the hill. "

The little lass and the miller boy,
The meed of the years, the grief, the joy,
They told it all, that summer day;
However run the hours away,
Bring fortune good or bring it ill,
Heart and hope live over the hill.