On a Bank of Flowers

written in 1789

On a bank of flowers, in a summer day, For summer lightly drest, The youthful, blooming Nelly lay, With love and sleep opprest; When Willie, wand'ring thro' the wood, Who for her favour oft had sued; He gaz'd, he wish'd He fear'd, he blush'd, And trembled where he stood. Her closed eyes, like weapons sheath'd, Were seal'd in soft repose; Her lip, still as she fragrant breath'd, It richer dyed the rose; The springing lilies, sweetly prest, Wild-wanton kissed her rival breast; He gaz'd, he wish'd, He fear'd, he blush'd, His bosom ill at rest. Her robes, light-waving in the breeze, Her tender limbs embrace; Her lovely form, her native ease, All harmony and grace; Tumultuous tides his pulses roll, A faltering, ardent kiss he stole; He gaz'd, he wish'd, He fear'd, he blush'd, And sigh'd his very soul. As flies the partridge from the brake, On fear-inspired wings, So Nelly, starting, half-awake, Away affrighted springs ; But Willie follow'd -- as he should, He overtook her in the wood; He vow'd, he pray'd, He found the maid Forgiving all, and good.