Volume 5 — Original. Forebodings.

Pretty Nan to Flora said, "Prithee, why so gay?" Dark-eyed Flora bent her head: "He is gone away." "Strange!" quoth Nan. "If 'twere my heart, None could be more sad. Absence gives the keenest smart. Tell me, why art glad?" Dark-eyed Flora, with a sigh, 'Gan to braid her hair, Whilst to Nan she made reply: "Hark! my sister dear. "Chanced it on a summer morn, Laughingly I chose These long tresses to adorn With a beauteous rose. "Of the flower he made request, I in wilfulness Did refuse, and as a jest Gave it a caress. "But I did not long deny. Said I: Plucked for you, Take; but care it tenderly, 'Tis my rose-love true. "Nameless was the pain and dread Filled my aching heart. Soon I saw my rose-love dead, Idly torn apart. "Thus he would my heart's love fling Coldly, idly by. Than to wear his wedding-ring, Rather would I die. "Ah! the cruel, ugly smart! Fear my love did slay. Pined I sadly in my heart Till he went away. "'Gainst the power of his voice All in vain I strove. Freed by absence, I rejoice, Now I dare to love!"