The Tryst

Silent I'm biding, While softly gliding Sink the still hours to eternity's sleep. My fancies roaming List in the gloaming:— Will she the trysting now keep? Winter is dreaming, Bright stars are beaming, Smiling their light through its cloud-veil they pour, Summer foretelling Sweet love compelling;— Dare she not meet me here more? 'Neath the ice lying, Longing and sighing, Ocean would wander and warmer lands woo. Anchored ships swinging, Sail-thoughts outflinging;— Come we together, we two! Whirling and fallings Pictures enthralling, Fairy-light made in the forest the snow; Wood-folk are straying, Shadows are playing;— Was it your footstep? Oh, no! Courage is failing, Hoar frost assailing Boughs of your longing surrounds with its spell. But I dare enter, Break to the center, Where in dream-fetters you dwell.