To Thee, My Darling

The heliotrope’s fragrant breath— The subtle sweet of jasmine on the evening air— The flowery mead, all radiant With sympathetic pleasure From the glowing kiss with which The God of Day salutes its lovely face— The whispering, snowy surf, wherewith Old Ocean in his kindliest mood Murmurs soft secrets to the willing sands— The mingled joy and anguish thrilling us In the weird plaints of Schubert— Great Rossini’s heaven-born strains— All graceful, lovely things, Lifting my soul to beatific state— Mnemosyne with flowery fetters Binds to thee, my darling.