Page:Hand in hand; (IA handinhand00kipl).pdf/41



HEARD three maidens laughing merrily, All three were young and one was very fair; Except in jest they had not breathed a sigh, And save the name, they nothing knew of care.

As I came by they rose and clasped me round: "Tell us," they said, "for you have older years, What is this love that each of us has found; Is it a thing for laughter, or for tears?"

One held my hand,—she would not let me go— The fairest whispered softly, "Answer me." The third said lightly, "Ah, she does not know; Love never came so near that she should see!"

I could not speak the truth—I would not lie— And so without a word I passed them by.