Page:Pleasant Memories of Pleasant Lands.djvu/187

 1G2 THE STUDENT LOVER.

Or ot her golden cheese the mother told, She, with a filial and serene regard, &quot;Would seem to listen, her young heart away Mid other things.

For in her lonely room,

She had companions that they knew not of, Books, that reveal the sources of the soul, Deep meditations, high imaginings ,; And, meekly, when the cottage lamp was out, She sat communing with them, while the moon Looked through her narrow casement fitfully. Hence grew her brow so spiritual, and her cheek Pale with the purity of thought, that gleamed Around her from above.

The rustic youth,

Nursed at the ploughshare, wondering eyed her charms, Or of her aspen gracefulness of form Spoke slightingly. Yet, when they saw the fields Her father tilled, well clad with ripening grain, And knew he had no other heir beside, They, with unwonted wealth of Sunday clothes, And huge, red nosegays flaunting in their hands, Were fain to woo her. And they marvelled much How the sweet fairy, with such quiet air Of mild indifference, and with truthful words Kind, yet determinate, withdrew herself To chosen solitude, intent to keep A maiden s freedom.

But in lonely walks, What time the early violets richly blend

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