DIADAMA

Diadama, Diadama Precious name so dear to me; No other girl in Allegany Thrills my loving heart like thee. Fairer than the blushing flowers Gentle as the turtle dove, Bear me on ye heavenly powers To the bosom of my love. Thus sang a youth by love invaded, Who felt the sting of Cupid's dart; In riper years his boy-love faded, He sought not to win her heart. In memory lingers every feature, Fair as in the days of yore, Yet he knows that once loved creature Mortal eyes can see no more. In the giddy dance they mingle, As in years so long gone by; How it makes his heart strings tingle When he meets her smiling eye. In the schoolroom he is with her, Learning lessons by her side, Often wondering if ever She will be his loving bride. That face, alas! He'll see it never, Those ruby lips no longer red, Those sparkling eyes are closed forever, And every pleasing charm has fled. Soon the memory and remembered, Although once in youthful prime Will no longer make a riffle On the ceaseless tide of time.