Serenade

Serenade

Wake, lady, wake, - the midnight moon
Sails through the cloudless skies of June;
The Stars gaze sweetly on the stream,
Which in the brightness of their beam,

One sheet of glory lies.

The glowworm lends its little light,
And all that's beautiful and bright,
Is shining on our world to night,

Save thy bright eyes!

Wake, lady, wake, --- the nightingale
Tells to the moon her lovelorn tale!
Now doth the brook that's hush'd by day,
As through the vale she winds her way,

In murmurs sweet rejoice;

The leaves, by the soft night wind stirr'd,
Are whispering many a gentle word,
And all earth's sweetest sounds are heard,

Save thy sweet voice!

Wake, lady, wake, --- thy lover waits!
Thy steed stands saddled at the gate!
Here is a garment rich and rare,
To wrap thee from the cold night air;

The appointed hour is flown, ---

Danger and doubt have vanish'd quite, ---
Our way before is clear and right, ---
And all is ready for the flight, ---

Save thou alone!

Wake, lady, wake, --- I have a wreath,
Thy broad fair brow shall rise beneath;
I have a ring that must not shine
On any finger, love but thine!

I've kept my plighted vow.

Beneath thy casement here I stand,
To lead thee by thy own white hand,
Far from this dull and captive strand, ---

But where art thou?

1828.04.11

From Neele's Romance of History