THE LADYE, THE LOVER, AND THE CROCUS. A LEGEND OF LOVE. THE Ladye was fair as Ladye could be, Yet blushed at a suit like mine. She lent to them all a ready ear, Joined hands with them in the dance; Her voice was gay, and her step was light But soon 'neath my gaze she shrank, as a blight And then she shunned me, as the dove, When the hawk soars, shuns her fate: And I I deemed not this was Love, That looked so much like hate. I seemed a shadow in her path, A cloud upon her sky, I deemed it scorn, perchance e'en wrath, I call them nothings-for they showed Nought noble save a name. And flowers were offered-and I brought Into a garland trim, But they were wild, and fresh, and sweet, And innocent and fair As she whom others sought to greet With off'rings rich and rare. Yet a rose-wreath her brow entwined, By daring suitor placed ; A gay exotic was enshrined Close by her girdled waist. My humbler offering she took, Red, trembling, as in scorn, Nor deigned vouchsafe me e'en a lookAnd 'twas her birth-day morn! Oh! had her angel eye the power To kill, or turn to stone, I'd better borne such glance that hour Than that averted one. My fond wild dream was o'er;— I would but mingle in the crowd And gaze on her once more. It was the evening of that day, That day when laughter glad Rang out, mid dance and mirthful play, From some— - while I was sad. 'Twas evening, and the crowded hall Mocked the less dazzling day; And rainbow-like the hues that all Shone in that festal ray. And when the minstrel-melody Rang out in cadence loud, Then with a heavy heart did I Mingle in that gay crowd: For all were then so deep intent That not one curious glance was bent I looked the gay ranks through; but not Escaped, looked through again. She was not there-and then the Hall, Before so bright, seemed dim; Alas! in Lover's eye, what change And on I passed through gay saloons Were list'ning to the softened tones Methought, were whispering words which they |