WAKE, MY LOVE!
Reading edition
Darling, I my vigil keep Close beside you, while you sleep. Let the Dream of Love abide! Cupid will not be denied; For he whispers to you now, And prints kisses on your brow; While his velvet finger tips Hush the protest on your lips. Wake, My Love! And do not chide Cupid pleading by your side! Darkness lingers in the skies Till the light of your bright eyes Adds new brilliance to the sun: Not till then is Day begun! Ope your lips and speak one word— Sweetest cadence ever heard! Loose your tresses! Let them rest On your snowy, virgin breast, And entwine these roses rare In the ringlets nestling there. Wake, My Love! The sunbeams shed Golden treasures on your head; While Æolus woos your cheeks, And exacts the kiss he seeks. Love, aquiver, draws his bow And demands that sleep must go; For a jealous elf is he Who will brook no rivalry. So let Love a Kingdom make In his Heart for Thee: Awake!