One Autumn Night

A calm, delightful autumn night; A moon’s mysterious, misty light; A maiden at her window height, In proper robe of fleecy white.

❦

The little wicket gate ajar; A lover tripping from afar, With tuneful voice and light guitar, To woo his radiant guiding star.

❦

The lute gave forth a plaintive twang— Oh, how that doting lover sang! A bull-dog with invidious fang— A nip, a grip, and then a pang!

❦

A maiden swooning in affright. A lover in a piteous plight, A canine quivering with delight— A wild, delirious autumn night!

❦