Classic Poem

PART II.

The Bride .

I hear the voice of him I love;
And now I see him swiftly move:
O'er haughty mountains how he trips!
O'er hills and rocks how fast he skips!
My love is like a roe or fawn,
That runs and leaps along the lawn:
Now by the wall he stands I see,
Now thro the window looks at me:
His face now thro the lattice shows,
His beautys all their charms disclose.
Nor stands my dearest silent there;
His voice, his charming voice I hear:
" Rise, rise, my love, make no delay,
" Rise, my fair one, and come away;
" For see the frozen winter's gone,
" The rains abate, the spring comes on;
" On the earth's bosom flowers arise,
" To please the scent, and please the eyes:
" The birds begin to chirp and sing,
" To welcome the returning spring:
" The turtle in our plains we hear
" Proclaiming the reviving year:
" The fig-tree her green fruit discloses,
" And to the warmer air exposes:
" The fruitful vine begins to bloom,
" Her tender buds the air perfume.
" Rise, rise, my love, make no delay;
" Rise, my fair one, and come away.