Butterfly, Butterfly, Roaming thro’ the air-- If I, like you, had privilege, To wander ev’rywhere. I’d spread my wings and soar up! up! Straight to Heav’n’s door-- And when I got there Butterfly, I’d roam no more! A FRAGMENT Flowers exquisite frequent thrive, Hidden in the shade Of some o’er-arching foliage In a secluded glade. They need the shadow, not the sun, To best perfect their bloom. E’en so, life’s rarest thought expands Oft, in its darkened room. QUERY You love me, you say, and want me To become your own. I believe you are in earnest now, But,--as the years go on-- What do you think will happen! Shall we travel side by side, Lovers, and faithful companions, Whatever may betide? So many have taken the venture, But to find it turn out for the bad, Who, at the beginning, just as much faith In a different outcome had. That I’m fearful our fate might be like theirs,-- Have we proof, think you, it will not? A guarantee,--we shall never grow tired And want to unfasten the knot? Tho’ my love is yours, ’twere far better, Our paths separately should trend; Than start together, and _then_ diverge, Nor accomplish the journey’s end. I CLOSE MINE EYES I close mine eyes, and see you dear As in the dear, dead days; The tender grace, and strength of poise, Marking you from the rest apart. And oh! it seems as if I must Enfold you to my heart. I close mine eyes, and see you dear As in the dear, dead days; The hair’s soft fall over the brow, Within your eyes love’s ardent light, It cannot be! it cannot be! My day has turned to night. I close mine eyes, and see you dear As in the dear, dead days; Before love’s bitter aftermath Whose penalty ’tis mine to know. Oh! come to me from out its void! _I need you so! I need you so._ UNDERSTANDING You have not spoken the word, dear, But I know! I know! It came to me of a-sudden How you loved me so! A glance which escaped unguarded, The truth made plain. I’ve hugged its memory to me Over, and over again! You have not spoken the word, dear, But I know! I know! It came to me of a-sudden How you loved me so! A breath, with a catch in the taking,-- And my world, you see, Became changed,--for I love you, dear! As you love me! WE MET IN MAY We met in May, I know you have forgotten, Have long since put all thought of me away; Yet in my heart the mem’ry ever lingers,-- We met in May. Fragrant the air with redolence of blossom! Matchless the sky of perfect, cloudless blue! And oh! the music that the world was ringing-- When I met you.