Classic Poem

I RENE , I saw thee
Once in the wane
Of twilight in June
In a Northern lane,
Whose borders were bower'd
In maples, and flower'd
With lilacs new-open'd by rain.

Instant an ardor
Too sweet to restrain,
Too wildly entrancing
For words to explain,
Was born of that meeting,
All silent, ungreeting,
But thrilling my every vein.

Forlorn then I falter'd,
I look'd on thee fain,
As one who might venture
Thy favor to gain;
There and then — only
The charm of thy lonely
Beauty made me refrain.

Sylph of the Summer,
In Summer's domain,
That mortal like me
May never attain,
As a star unabiding
I follow'd thee — gliding
By me in dainty disdain.

Now amorous Night
In passion and pain
Yields me thy vision
Again and again —
In dreams that enthral me
I follow and call thee —
Irene, shall it all be in vain?