LOUISA.
Reading edition
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I met Louisa in the shade; And, having seen that lovely Maid, Why should I fear to say That she is ruddy, fleet, and strong; And down the rocks can leap along, Like rivulets in May?
And she hath smiles to earth unknown; Smiles, that with motion of their own Do spread, and sink, and rise; That come and go with endless play, 10 And ever, as they pass away, Are hidden in her eyes.
She loves her fire, her Cottage-home; Yet o'er the moorland will she roam In weather rough and bleak; And when against the wind she strains, Oh! might I kiss the mountain rains That sparkle on her cheek.
Take all that's mine 'beneath the moon', If I with her but half a noon 20 May sit beneath the walls Of some old cave, or mossy nook, When up she winds along the brook, To hunt the waterfalls.