On a Bank of Flowers
On a bank of flowers in a summer day For summer lightly drest, The youthful, blooming Nelly lay, With love and sleep opprest; When Willie, wand'ring thro the wood Who for her favour oft had suedÑ He gaz'd, he wish'd He fear'd, he blush'd And trembled where he stood. Her closèd eyes, like weapons sheath'd, Were sealed in soft repose; Her lips, still as she fragrant breath'd, It richer dyed the rose. The springing lilies, sweetly Crest, Wild-wanton kissed her rival breast: He gaz'd, he wish'd, He fear'd he blush'd His bosom ill at rest. Her robes, light-waving in the breeze, Her tender limbs embrace; Her lovely form, her native ease, All harmony and grace. Tumultuous tides his pulses roll, A faltering, ardent kiss he stole; He gaz'd, he wish'd, He fear'd, he blush'd, And sigh'd his very soul. As flies the partridge from the brake On fear-inspired wings So Nelly starting, half-awake Away affrighted springs. But Willie, follow'd---as he should He overtook her in the wood; He vow'd, he pray'd, He found the maid Forgiving all, and good.
Robert Burns’s other poems:
