She stood in maiden loveliness serene,
Of fawn-like grace, and beauty rare of face,
Fair prey I deemed, for I had but to lean
To kiss her or to hold in my embrace.
And yet I paused, I hardly knew the why,
I said she, as the others, is fair game;
No guardian stood above her but the sky,
And yet I paused, the beast within me tame.
Her pure eyes fronted mine so unafraid,
And in their depths dwelt such a wondrous charm,
It seemed to wrap a glory round the maid,
That banished evil and the power to harm.
And somehow there the evil in me died,
As in a dream afraid I seemed to stand,
I am unworthy, all my being cried,
And yet she smiled, nor could I understand.
Days passed, once more beneath the sky,
As one enchanted, I beside her walked,
Drinking the freshness of her spirit high,
In a new world that blossomed as she talked.
"How beautiful the bird's song is!" she said,
And, lo, the singing came surpassing sweet,
"See how the flowers bloom all rosy red!"
I looked, and saw them springing at our feet.
The breezes soft their peaceful preludes played
Along the glistening harp-strings of the grass,
I bowed my head as penitent that prayed,
The miracle of love had come to pass.