Page:Ambarvalia - Clough (1849).djvu/88

 I was a coarse and vulgar man, I vile and vulgar things had done; And I, as Nature's instincts ran, Was wont to let them run.

And yet to such a man as I Did Lilie her pure fancy fling; And loved me— as a butterfly May love a flower of Spring.

She sought my breast, she nestled there, For nought knew she that should forbid: God help me! but she was too fair,— I knew not what I did.

I knew not what I did, and now Scarce know if I did wrong or right; But in my arms, I wot not how, There came a Soul to light.

But as one bends o'er waters clear, And sees the cloud-reflecting space Give quickly up the idle sphere To yield a human face,