Page:Cheskian Anthology.pdf/239



, welcome swallow! welcome! take thy rest—

The spring is melting every icy stream—

Build 'neath my roof thine unmolested nest;

Here be thy quiet home of peace—nor deem

The bard intrusive, if he bid thee tell

Of distant lands and distant beauties—say

If from yon plains, where all the graces dwell,

She gave thee no sweet message on thy way.

"Thither I flew, for I had often heard

Of charms that dazzled every flitting bird—

Thither I flew, to gaze upon the maid:

But I was so bewilder'd, when I saw,

That eloquent fame itself had failed to draw

Her form—I fled—in silence and afraid."