White Stains

A FRAGMENT MAN .................................. Hero MAID ................................. Heroine HER MOTHER COUNT B He. Draw nigh, sweet maiden, violets blush at birth, Pale lilies tinge with crimson, as the snow At dawn’s approach, the pansy’s darksome dye Deepens when tender winds blow over it And give its beauties to the summer’s gaze : So blush at being mine, yet gently come And place a dainty hand within my hold Too delicate to crush it into warmth, Save that blood mantling to thy cheek shall flow Back to the fingers, though I press them not. And so I will not hesitate to put A ring upon thy hand, sweet mystery Of Love’s device, to shadow in our hearts