AN INVITATION. Yet still I believe that he thinks it is best To sing, and let troubles float by, Little we care for the outside world, AN INVITATION. (From the French of THEOPHILE GAUTIER.) ELL me, pretty one, where will you sail ? TELL y? How shall our bark be steered, I pray i Breezes flutter each silken vail, Tell me, where will you go to-day? My vessel's helm is of ivory white, Her bulwarks glisten with jewels bright And red gold ; The sails are made from the wings of a dove, Ard the man at the wheel is the god of love, Blythe and bold. AN INVITATION. Where shall we sail? 'Mid the Baltic's foam ? Or over the broad Pacific roam? Don't refuse. Say, shall we gather the sweet snow-flowers, Or wander in rose-strewn Eastern bowers? Only choose. "Oh, carry me then," cried the fair coquette, "To the land where never I've journeyed yet, To that shore Where love is lasting, and change unknown, And a man is faithful to one alone Evermore." Go, seek that land for a year and a day, At the end of the time you'll be still far away, Pretty maid; 'Tis a country unlettered in map or in chart, 'Tis a country that does not exist, sweetheart, I'm afraid! MY PRETTY NEIGHBOR. (From the French of VICTOR HUGO.) F you've nothing, dear, to tell me, IF Why, each morning passing by, With your sudden smiles compel me, To adore you, then repel me, Pretty little neighbor, why? Why, if you have naught to tell me, Do you so my patience try? If you've nothing, sweet, to teach me, Tell me why you press my hand? I'll attend if you'll impeach me Of my sins, or even preach me Sermons hard to understand; But, if you have naught to teach me, Dear, your meaning I demand! THREE KISSES. If you wish me, love, to leave you, Why forever walk my way! Then, when gladly I receive you, Wherefore do I seem to grieve you? Must I then, in truth, believe you Wish me, darling, far away? Do you wish me, love, to leave you? THREE KISSES. (Imitated from the German of A. von Chamisso. OU little maid with golden hair, You As at my thin grey locks you stare, Your lisping tongue Half asks the question which your eyes Half mirror in their sweet surprise, Was I once young? THREE KISSES. Well, yes, there was a time, I think, When even you could scarcely shrink From saying so, Some thought I was a handsome youth, But then they died, in sober truth, Long years ago. Your dimpled face, so rosy round, Recalls, as on my knee you bound, Another, As fresh and fair, which some one wore. Who was she? Why, my pet, 'twas your Grandmother! Once in those days I kissed her hand (I was in love, you understand); She married Your grandpapa; and as for me, A broken heart across the sea 1 carried. |