Page:Poems Sigourney 1827.pdf/113

Rh

Within a neighbouring hamlet's bound In manly beauty's ardent grace, Christiern his humble dwelling found Amid the miner's hardy race.

He oft beheld Ulrica's hand A part in rural labour take, To bind the sheaf with pliant band, Or steer the light boat o'er the lake.

He mark'd the varying toil bestow On her pure cheek a richer dye, And saw enlivening spirits flow In dazzling radiance from her eye.

Oft in the holy house of prayer Where weekly crowds assembling bow, He mark'd the meek and reverent air Which shed new lustre o'er her brow.

And soon no joy his heart might share Unless her soft smile met his view, And soon he thought no scene was fair Unless her eye admired it too.

And duly as the shadows fleet O'er closing day, with silence fraught, Young Christiern with his lute so sweet Ulrica's peaceful mansion sought.

Long had the gossip's mystic speech Deep knowledge of their love profest, Before the timid lip of each The cherish'd secret had exprest.