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YOUTH AND MAIDENHOOD.

[Gregory.]

LIKE a drop of water is my heart
Laid upon her soft and rosy palm,
Turned whichever way her hand doth turn,
Trembling in an ecstasy of calm.

Like a broken rose-leaf is my heart,
Held within her close and burning clasp,
Breathing only dying sweetness out,
Withering beneath the fatal grasp.

Like a vapoury cloudlet is my heart
Growing into beauty near the sun,
Gaining rainbow hues in her embrace,
Melting into tears when it is done.