Strange Fits of Passion
Strange fits of passion I have known: And I will dare to tell, But in the Lover's ear alone, What once to me befel. When she I loved, was strong and gay And like a rose in June, I to her cottage bent my way, Beneath the evening Moon. Upon the Moon I fixed my eye, All over the wide lea: My Horse trudged on—and we drew nigh Those paths so dear to me. And now we reached the orchard plot; And, as we climbed the hill, Towards the roof of Lucy's cot The Moon descended still. In one of those sweet dreams I slept, Kind Nature's gentlest boon! And, all the while, my eyes I kept On the descending Moon. My Horse moved on; hoof after hoof He raised, and never stopped: When down behind the cottage roof At once the Planet dropped. What fond and wayward thoughts will slide Into a Lover's head— "O mercy!" to myself I cried, "If Lucy should be dead!"