'All that you say has a feminine grace;

But hasn't Moore said something like it before?'

From the piano I draw forth a peal,

Greeting the sound with a smile and a sigh,

Singing 'The Last Rose of Summer,' I feel

That summer and roses can never die!

[pg 53]

'Twas a beautiful evening, fresh and fair,

Earth sweeter far than impossible skies;

My heart beating light as a bird in air,

When Harry brought home with him Jack Devize.

Did no presentiment touch me that day?

Never a soupçon of evil or ill?

No, the world was bright with Harry away,

And when Harry came back it was brighter still.

The man stood there, and his shadow was laid

Straight at my feet by the sunset decrees;

I mark'd it well, and I was not afraid;

And when Harry nam'd him I smil'd with ease.

[pg 54]

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