On a bank of flowers in a summer day <br /> For summer lightly drest, <br />The youthful, blooming Nelly lay, <br /> With love and sleep opprest; <br />When Willie, wand'ring thro the wood <br /> Who for her favour oft had suedÑ <br />He gaz'd, he wish'd He fear'd, he blush'd <br /> And trembled where he stood. <br /> <br />Her closèd eyes, like weapons sheath'd, <br /> Were sealed in soft repose; <br />Her lips, still as she fragrant breath'd, <br /> It richer dyed the rose. <br />The springing lilies, sweetly Crest, <br /> Wild-wanton kissed her rival breast: <br />He gaz'd, he wish'd, He fear'd he blush'd <br /> His bosom ill at rest. <br /> <br />Her robes, light-waving in the breeze, <br /> Her tender limbs embrace; <br />Her lovely form, her native ease, <br /> All harmony and grace. <br />Tumultuous tides his pulses roll, <br /> A faltering, ardent kiss he stole; <br />He gaz'd, he wish'd, He fear'd, he blush'd, <br /> And sigh'd his very soul. <br /> <br />As flies the partridge from the brake <br /> On fear-inspired wings <br />So Nelly starting, half-awake <br /> Away affrighted springs. <br />But Willie, follow'd---as he should <br /> He overtook her in the wood; <br />He vow'd, he pray'd, He found the maid <br /> Forgiving all, and good.<br /><br />Robert Burns<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/on-a-bank-of-flowers/
