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In the Vineyards

Lightly I valued my youth, as a trivial bloom,
Shared with the rose in the hedgerows, the peach on the tree,
Till his lips had fallen fiercely on mine in the gloom
Saying they found youth sweet; then it grew dearer to me.

Ah, my light-hearted youth, that I knew not aright!
(Softly insistent he spoke through the heat of the day)
This, in the vine-hidden heart of a midsummer night,
Was resigned in his forceful arms for ever and aye.

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