Fireflies

(From an old Italian Legend)

True lovers' words are deathless things; Eros, the little god, and wise, Catches them all,--gives to them wings, And turns them into fireflies!

Words that are sweet as a caress, And wild, bright words no will can tame; Soft words of haunting tenderness,-- Words that are like a blue-white flame.

The magic word, the jewelled word, The word that hides a thousand fears,-- These all the perfumed winds have heard, Through all the immemorial years!

Not one is lost;--by old sea walls, And over beds of mignonette, And through lost lanes,--when darkness falls, In loveliness they sparkle yet.

* * * * *

Then down the velvet sea of night, Like little lighted ships asail, They pass away, and out of sight,-- Companioned by the nightingale.