Effusion 12

Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834)

METHINKS, how dainty sweet it were, reclin'dBeneath the vast o'er shadowing branches highOf some old wood, in careless sort to lie,Nor of the busier scenes, we left behind,Aught envying! And, O Anna! mild-eyed maid!Beloved! I were well content to playWith thy free tresses the long summer dayCheating the time beneath the green-wood shade.But ah! sweet scenes of fancied bliss, adieu!On rose-leaf beds amid your faery bowersI all too long have lost the dreamy hours!Beseems it now the sterner Muse to woo,If haply she her golden meed impartTo realize the vision of the heart.

C. L.