COME, TELL ME SOME OLDEN STORY.

Come tell me some olden story Of Knight or Paladin, Whose sword on the field of glory Bright laurel wreaths did win: Tell me of the heart of fire His courage rare did prove; Speak on — oh! I will not tire — But never talk of love.

Or, if thou wilt, I shall hearken Some magic legend rare — How the Wizard's power did darken The sunny summer air: Thou'lt tell of Banshee's midnight wail, Or corpse-light's ghastly gleam — It matters not how wild the tale So love be not thy theme.

Or, perhaps thou may'st have travelled On distant, foreign strand, Strange secrets have unravelled In many a far-off land; Describe each castle hoary, Each fair or frowning shore — But should love blend in thy story I'll list thy voice no more.

Thou askest with emotion, Why am I thus so cold, Urging all thy past devotion, Well known — well tried of old; Hush! bend a little nearer That sad, o'erclouded brow — Could love vows make thee dearer To me than thou art now!