I saw a lassie on the green,
Ah me! Ah me!
No sweeter sight since have I seen,
Nor ever more may see.
At morning fair, at evening pale,
And overcast.
Oh, stay thou lassie, sad and frail,
Why seek the night so fast?
I took her hand, 'twas limp and cold,
She had no smile,
And in her eyes gleamed something old
That flickered out the while.
And then she told such piteous tale,
And heaved a sigh:--
"I dreamed that beauty could not fail,
"Nor simple pleasure die.
"I held him long, I held him fast--
"But he has gone.
"Oh stay me not--this way he past,
"And I must hasten on."
I saw a wannish haggard in the night,--
Alone was she.
I heard her laugh, her eyes were bright,
Ah me! ah woe is me!