Classic Poem

I saw two maidens on a grassy mound,
Both fair alike in face and gentle mien;
They sat and gazed upon the evening scene,
In sisterlike embrace together wound.
The one her right arm raised and moved it round,
Pointing to mountain, stream, or pastures green;
The other held her left—her eyes to screen—
Against the sun, and watched with gaze profound.
What wonder that the sight sweet yearnings raised,
And that the tender thought within me burned,
“Oh! that I might but sit in either's place!”
But when I longer at the darlings gazed,
My pitying heart this soft reply returned,
“Not so! to part them were a sin most base!”