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.