“L’AMOUR SANS AILES.”
Reading edition
———
BY C. F. HOFFMAN.
———
Love came one day to Lilla’s window
And restive round the casement flew,
She raised it just so far to hinder
His wings and all from coming through.
Love brought no perch on which to rest,
And Lilla had not one to give him;
And now the thought her soul distressed—
What should she do?—where should she leave him?
Love maddens to be thus half caught,
His struggle Lilla’s pain increases;
“He’ll fly—he’ll fly away!” she thought,
“Or beat himself and wings to pieces.
“His wings! why them I do not want,
The restless things make all this pother!”
Love tries to fly, but finds he can’t,
And nestles near her like a brother.
Plumeless, we call him Friendship now;
Love smiles at acting such a part—
But what cares he for lover’s vow
While thus perdu near Lilla’s heart?