THE TREE OF LOVE.
Beside the dear, domestic bower,
There sprang a tree of healing power;
Its leaflets, damp with gentle rain,
Could sooth or quell the pang of pain;
And 'neath its shade a maiden grew,
She shared its fruit, she drank its dew.
Oft at her side a youth was seen,
With glance of love and noble mien;
At twilight hour a favour'd guest,
Her trembling hand he warmly press'd;
At length, with guileless heart and free,
She said, "I'll plant that tree for thee."
Her little brother climb'd her knee:
"You must not go away from me;
The nightly prayer with me you say,
And sooth me when I'm tired of play:"
His sister's eye with tears was dim:
She said, "I'll plant that tree for him."
"Its roots are deep," the mother said;
"Beyond the darkling grave they spread:"
"Thy hand is weak," the father cried;
"Too young thou art to be a bride."
Serene she spake, "I look above
For strength to plant the tree of love."
