The Proposal?.

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume VIII, Issue 2, 1 May 1903, Page 113

The Proposal?.

Under the willow trees Where the leaves quiver, And where the quiet breeze Sighs to the river, By a green nook, whereat Flows the stream clearest, In the still evening sat I and my dearest. Liplets of living red, Eyes of all glamour, Smiles whereon love is fed, Frowns — that enamour. All these are hers, nor ere Warbled the starling With such sweet note as there Trills from my darling.

There, where the loving stream Stirred the long cresses, Gold in the moonlight beam Rippled her tresses. And, as I whispered brief, Bright her eyes glistened, While ev'ry yellow leaf Bending low, listened. Then all her snowy brow Burned ; and all through me Thrilled her soft answer, now Clasping her to me, And the dear lips she lent Felt my soul quiver, Till we arose, and went Then, from the river.

And, as to-day I lay Under the trees there, I wondered why so gay Rustled the breeze there ; And, as the long leaves stirred Over my pillow, How much they, too, had heard Under the willow. W. F. Alexander.

Voi. VIII.— No. 2.-8.