Classic Poem

Today she seeks this quiet vale,
With courage firm I'll dare to speak;
What need before a girl to quail
Who no one's hurt or harm would seek?

All they that meet her, greet her too;
I dare not speak, but pass her by;
I lift not up my face to view
The brightest star in all the sky.

The flowers, that down towards her bow,
The song - birds full of lusty cheer,
All utter many a tender vow,
What need have I alone to fear?

To heav'n I oft the live - long night
Full bitterly my vows repeat;
To her I dare not speak outright
The simple phrase—“I love thee, sweet!”

She past this tree doth daily walk,
And 'neath its shade myself I'll lay,
And feign that in my dreams I talk
Of her, my life's most cherished stay.

Yea! I'll—but ah! what terror! hush!
I see her come—she'll see me here;
I'll slip behind this sheltering bush,
And thence behold her passing near.