THE BLUSH.

Within my heart there fell a hush, I thought my very soul had died, When first I saw my lady blush And own the love she strove to hide. I thought my very soul had died Before affection bade her speak, And own the love she strove to hide With silent ways and manners meek. Before affection bade her speak, I watched her as she used to go With silent ways and manners meek, Whilst I with love was all aglow. I watched her as she used to go To gather simple blossoms fair, Whilst I with love was all aglow Yet dared not lay my passion bare. To gather simple blossoms fair I often went—to give to her, Yet dared not lay my passion bare Though all my soul with love did stir. I often went to give to her My life if she would deign to take, Though all my soul with love did stir My lips their silence dared not break. My life if she would deign to take ’Twas her’s, not mine—yet strange to tell My lips their silence dared not break, Ere she had learned love’s sacred spell. ’Twas her’s, not mine—yet strange to tell Moons waxed and waned and years flew by, Ere she had learned love’s sacred spell By touch of hand and glance of eye. Moons waxed and waned and years flew by, I thought she loved, alas! not me; By touch of hand and glance of eye The truth was told—ah! ecstasy! I thought she loved, alas! not me— Within my heart there fell a hush, The truth was told ah! ecstasy! When first I saw my lady blush.