Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/898

 For I was born a crown'd king's child, Born and nursed a king's child, King o' a land ayont the sea, Where the Blackamoor kiss'd me first, And taught me art and glamourie.

Each one in her wame shall hide Her hairy mouse, her wary mouse. Fed on madwort and agramie,— Wear amber beads between her breasts, And blind-worm's skin about her knee.

The Lombard shall be Elspie's man, Elspie's gowden husband-man; Nort shall take the lawyer's hand; The priest shall swear another vow: We'll dance again the saraband!

ayont] beyond. glamourie] wizardry.

AUBREY DE VERE

1814-1902

732. Serenade

Softly, O midnight Hours! Move softly o'er the bowers Where lies in happy sleep a girl so fair! For ye have power, men say, Our hearts in sleep to sway, And cage cold fancies in a moonlight snare. Round ivory neck and arm Enclasp a separate charm; Hang o'er her poised, but breathe nor sigh nor prayer Silently ye may smile, But hold your breath the while, And let the wind sweep back your cloudy hair!