Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 2.djvu/285

CANTO III.] 1.

The castled Crag of Drachenfels N10

Frowns o'er the wide and winding Rhine,

Whose breast of waters broadly swells

Between the banks which bear the vine,

And hills all rich with blossomed trees,

And fields which promise corn and wine,

And scattered cities crowning these,

Whose far white walls along them shine,

Have strewed a scene, which I should see

With double joy wert thou with me.

2.

And peasant girls, with deep blue eyes,

And hands which offer early flowers,

Walk smiling o'er this Paradise;

Above, the frequent feudal towers

Through green leaves lift their walls of gray;

And many a rock which steeply lowers,

And noble arch in proud decay,

Look o'er this vale of vintage-bowers;

But one thing want these banks of Rhine,—

Thy gentle hand to clasp in mine!

3.

I send the lilies given to me—

Though long before thy hand they touch,