In Arcadia. R. T. W. DUKE, JR.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 2021, 20 June 1885, Page 6 (Supplement)

In Arcadia. R. T. W. DUKE, JR.

13kcu .sis I choose to keep my seal;, Nor joiu the giddy dancers' whirl, I pray you do not laugh, my girl, Nor auk mo why I find it sweet In my old ago to watch your glee — I, too, have been in Arcudy. And though full well I know I eeem Quite out of placo in acenos like this, You oan't imagine how much bliss It gives me junt to sit and dream, As your fair form Roes flitting by, How I, too, dwelt in Arcady. For, sweetheart, in your merry eyes A vanished summer buds and blows, And with the same bright checka of rose I bco your mother's imago rise, And o'er a long and weary track My buried boyhood wanders back. And aa with tciir-dimmed eyes I cant On your sweet form my swimming glance I think you mother used to danco Juut as you do, in that dead past, Long yeara ago—yee, fifty-three — When I, too, dwelt in Arcady. And in the muaio'o laughing notcH I Heem to htar old voioes ring Thathavo been huohod, ah ! many a spring And round about me faintly floats The echo of ft melody I used to hoar in Aroady. And yonder youth— nay, do not blush, # The boy's hiß father o'er again ; And hark ye, Miss, I was not plain When at bis age—what I must I hush ? He's coming this way ? Yea, I see— You (wo yet dwell in Arcady.