[23]

The wind blew all her shining hair

From her sweet brows; and she, the while,

Put back her lovely head, to smile

On my enchanted spirit there.

Jonquils and pansies round her head

Gleam'd softly; but a heavenlier hue

Upon her perfect cheek was shed,

And in her eyes a purer blue.

There came an end to break the spell;

She murmur'd something in my ear;

The words fell vague, I did not hear,

And ere I knew, I said farewell;

And homeward went, with happy heart

And spirit dwelling in a gleam,

Rapt to a Paradise apart,

With all the world become a dream.

Yet now, too soon, the world's strong strife

Breaks on me pitiless again;

The pride of passion, hopes made vain,

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