Classic Poem

(T HE Lament .)

I was a fool!
When he looked at me I hung my head
And caught at a blossoming weed.
When he spoke I felt my face turn red
As if it would bleed,
And when I dared look up again
He had turned the bend in the lane.

I was a fool —
For I waited there by the field of clover
Trying my love with a daisy,
And softly saying over and over
" Surely he must be crazy —
Not to see that I love him! " Why
Did I let him pass! O, because I —
I was a fool — that's why.
Blow sweet wind, he will come again
And I will be walking in the lane.

I was a fool!
O shame, shame — I burn with shame.
Why was I so silly?
Again I waited, and he came
Riding his cream-white filly
And whistling, and when he tipt his hat
I laughed and said " O how glossy and fat
Is your pretty filly. "
He only blushed. No wonder — for me,
That a country girl so forward should be.

(T HE S EQUEL .)

Last night when the moon hung low
Across the field of clover,
She whispered, " I love you so
It is sweet to say it over
And over again, close to your face,
But I have neither beauty or grace.
I can't believe that you love me. I —
But if you do, now, tell me why. "

He answers, as he gently draws
Her lips to his. . . . . . " I love you because
You're a sweet little fool. "