The Rosy Beauty

Southland Times, Issue 14516, 16 December 1899, Page 1 (Supplement)

The Rosy Beauty

A little rosy beauty I chanced once to spy; Within the lonely woodlands Were only she and I. “Oh ! tell me, precious jewel, Why strayest thou alone ?” She smiling said, “I’m not afraid, For I have injured none, “I come each morn a-milking,

I come on every eve; But Cushy now hath wandered, Till lost, I do believe.” “Hl go with thee and find her, Each dell and copse I know, And where the grass is sweetest, And where the waters flow.” And where the birds were singing, I led the artless maid, And where the birds were singing

Forgetfully we strayed; Where blossoms were the whitest, And where the sward was green, And where the rill ran brightest, We found a path unseen. And there I took occasion

To speak of sundry things: Of life—its short duration— How riches make them wings ; That true love was a duty, A wondrous pleasure, too; And I whispered to that beauty : “Why may not I and you ? “I know thee, my delighter, And thou has heard my name; I’m not a maiden’s slighter Thou shalt not blush for shame. I took her to my bosom, And kissed her bonny mouth; And, oh ! but it was sweeter Than honey from the south. A while she stood confused, The tear was in her eye; The dove was all unused Unto that fearful joy. I soothed and I caressed her, Until she did incline ; And if my love hath blessed her, That blessed one is mine !