Classic Poem

Softly flow, thou gentle river,
Through the vale where dwells my love:
Tell her, I am constant ever;
Naught from her my heart can move.
Bear this rose-leaf on thy bosom,
Image of my constancy:
Waft it safely to her cottage;
Tell her it was sent by me.

She will fondly stoop to gather
From thy wave the welcome leaf,
Press it to her lips, and smother
Lightly so her swelling grief.
Murmur faintly, as she takes it:
“Faithful lover sent it thee;
Be the treasure to thee ever
Image of his constancy.”