“Never dared I to confess it, Deeds of homage spoke instead; True love is its own revealer, She must know it! oft, I said. “All my words, and all my actions, But one meaning could impart; Love can love’s least sign interpret, And she reads my inmost heart. “And her good, old merchant father, —Father he has been to me— Saw the love growing up between us, Saw—and was well-pleased to see. “Seven years I truly served him, Now my time is at an end— Master is he now no longer, Father will be—has been friend. “I was left betimes an orphan, Heir unto great merchant-wealth, But the iron rule of kinsfolk Dimmed my youth, and sapped my health. “Death had been my early portion Had not my good guardian come; He, the father of my Alice, And conveyed me to his home. “Here began a new existence, —Then how new the love of friends! And for all the child’s afflictions, Each one strove to make amends. “Late my spring-time came, but quickly Youth’s rejoicing currents run, And my inner life unfolded Like a flower before the sun. “Hopes, and aims, and aspirations, Grew within the growing boy; Life had new interpretation; Manhood brought increase of joy. “In and over all was Alice, Life-infusing, like the spring; My soul’s soul! even joy without her Was a poor and barren thing! “And she spoke last eve at parting, ‘When the folk are mad with glee, In the Temple’s pleasant gardens Let me walk and talk with thee!’ “As she spoke, her sweet voice trembled— Love such tender tones can teach! And those words have kept me waking, And the manner of her speech! “For such manner has deep meaning,” Said young Burnell, blithe and gay;— And the bells of London City Pealed a welcome to the May. · · · · · Whilst the folk were mad with pleasure, ’Neath the elm-tree’s vernal shade, In the Temple’s quiet gardens Walked the young man and the maid. On his arm her hand was resting, And her eyes were on the ground; She was speaking, he was silent; Not a word his tongue had found.