On a bank of flowers in a summer day
 For summer lightly drest,
The youthful, blooming Nelly lay,
 With love and sleep opprest;
When Willie, wand'ring thro the wood
 Who for her favour oft had suedÑ
He gaz'd, he wish'd He fear'd, he blush'd
 And trembled where he stood.

Her closèd eyes, like weapons sheath'd,
 Were sealed in soft repose;
Her lips, still as she fragrant breath'd,
 It richer dyed the rose.
The springing lilies, sweetly Crest,
 Wild-wanton kissed her rival breast:
He gaz'd, he wish'd, He fear'd he blush'd
 His bosom ill at rest.

Her robes, light-waving in the breeze,
 Her tender limbs embrace;
Her lovely form, her native ease,
 All harmony and grace.
Tumultuous tides his pulses roll,
 A faltering, ardent kiss he stole;
He gaz'd, he wish'd, He fear'd, he blush'd,
 And sigh'd his very soul.

As flies the partridge from the brake
 On fear-inspired wings
So Nelly starting, half-awake
 Away affrighted springs.
But Willie, follow'd---as he should
 He overtook her in the wood;
He vow'd, he pray'd, He found the maid
 Forgiving all, and good.