Classic Poem

Within a belfry built of bloom,
Above the garden wall they swing;
A chime of bells for winds to ring,
Of mingled music and perfume.

What scented syllables of song
Throughout the day their tongues repeat!
They tempt with promise, honey-sweet,
The listener to linger long.

A bit of sunset cloud astray,
The dappled butterfly floats near,
Lured by the fragrant music clear,
Trembles with joy, then fades away.

And thither oft, from time to time,
The humming-bird and golden bee,
List, and go mad with melody,—
The honey-music of the chime.

And thither when the silver gleam
Of moon and stars is over all,
One white moth hovers near the wall,—
A ghost to haunt the garden's dream!