On a bank of flowers
Haydn, Joseph
On a bank of flow'rs in a summer's day,
For summer lightly drest,
The youthful, blooming Nelly lay
With love and sleep opprest;
When Willie, wand'ring thro' the wood,
Who for her favour oft had su'd.
He gaz'd, he wish'd,
He fear'd, he blush'd,
And trembled where he stood.
Her closed eyes, like weapons sheath'd,
Were seal'd in soft repose;
Her lips, still as she fragrant breath'd,
It richer dy'd the rose:
The springing lilies sweetly prest,
Wild, wanton, kiss'd her rival breast;
He gaz'd, he wish'd,
He fear'd, he blush'd,
His bosom ill at rest.
Her robes light waving in the breeze,
Her tender limbs embrace;
Her lovely form, her native ease,
All harmony and grace:
Tumultuous tides his pulses roll,
A faltering, ardent kiss he stole:
He gaz'd, he wish'd,
He fear'd, he blush'd,
And sigh'd his very soul.
As flies the partridge from the brake
On fear-inspired wings,
So Nelly, starting, half awake,
Away affrighted springs.
But Willy follow'd — as he shou'd:
He overtook her in the wood;
He vow'd, he pray'd,
He found the maid
Forgiving all and good.