Page:The Poetical Works of William Motherwell, 1849.djvu/132

 Sat the War-worn, while mirthfully The other Two passed on;— By heaven! one was a comely bride, Her face gleamed in the moon, As richly as in full-fleshed pride, Bright roses burst in June; Methought she was the maiden mild, That whilome loved the wandering Childe!

But it was not her former love That wandered with her there— Oh, no! long absence well may move A maiden to despair; Old loves we cast unto the winds, Old vows into the sea, 'Tis lightsome for all gentle minds To be as fancy free. So the Vow-pledged One loved another, And wantoned with a younger brother.

I heard a dull, hoarse, chuckle sound, Beside that trysting-tree;