• 1. The grey sea and the long black land;
    And the yellow half-moon large and low;
    And the startled little waves that leap
    In fiery ringlets from their sleep,
    As I gain the cove with pushing prow,
    And quench its speed i' the slushy sand.

    Then a mile of warm sea-scented beach;
    Three fields to cross till a farm appears;
    A tap at the pane, the quick sharp scratch
    And blue spurt of a lighted match,
    And a voice less loud, thro' its joys and fears,
    Than the two hearts beating each to each


    2. the summer shine
    That warmed life's early hours is past,
    Your loving fingers seek for mine
    And hold them close—at last—at last!
    Not oft the robin comes to build
    Its nest upon the leafless bough
    By autumn robbed, by winter chilled,—
    But you, dear heart, you love me now.

    Though there are shadows on my brow
    And furrows on my cheek, in truth,—
    The marks where Time's remorseless plough
    Broke up the blooming sward of Youth,—
    Though fled is every girlish grace
    Might win or hold a lover's vow,
    Despite my sad and faded face,
    And darkened heart, you love me now!

    I count no more my wasted tears;
    They left no echo of their fall;
    I mourn no more my lonesome years;
    This blessed hour atones for all.
    I fear not all that Time or Fate
    May bring to burden heart or brow,—
    Strong in the love that came so late,
    Our souls shall keep it always now!


    3. Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me,
    Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee;
    Sounds of the rude world heard in the day,
    Lull'd by the moonlight have all pass'd a way!

    Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song,
    List while I woo thee with soft melody;
    Gone are the cares of life's busy throng, --
    Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!

    Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea
    Mermaids are chaunting the wild lorelie;
    Over the streamlet vapors are borne,
    Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn.

    Beautiful dreamer, beam on my heart,
    E'en as the morn on the streamlet and sea;
    Then will all clouds of sorrow depart, --
    Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!