A Serenade

Dear heart, I would that thou couldst know
How, like the burning glow of Mars,
My love here keeps a watch below
Thy window and the midnight stars.

How sweet the breath of night is now,
Of sweets the rose and jessamine keep;
Go, winds, with these and kiss her brow,
And bear my love to her in sleep.

Oh, such a love! that loves her so,
With such a little space apart,
Should through yon open casement go,
And gently stir her dreaming heart.

Dear heart, sleep on without a fear,
If all unconsciously to thee,
My love must watch, to watch so near,
Makes even that a bliss to me.