Page:The poems of Emma Lazarus volume 1.djvu/296

282 I, sir, twice Have unaware stood in your royal presence. You are welcome to my father s home and mine. I scarce need crave your pardon for my entrance; Yourself must see how well assured I felt My father was alone.

And so you hoped To find him shall I read your answer thus ?

Nay, press her not. Your Highness does her wrong, So harshly to construe her simpleness. My daughter and myself are one, and both Will own an equal pleasure if you bide.

You chain me with kind words.

My father, sir, Hath surely told you our delight and marvel At the enchantments of your feast. For me The night was brief, rich, beautiful, and strange As a bright dream.