Freston
139
Until you come; and Nina there with me
Will wait in shadow, till we hear from thee."
Will wait in shadow, till we hear from thee."
Guido has gone, and the small maid has thrown
A long, black mantle o'er the glittering gown.
Fleet, and light-footed as two does, they seek
The archway's somber shadow, ere they speak.
A long, black mantle o'er the glittering gown.
Fleet, and light-footed as two does, they seek
The archway's somber shadow, ere they speak.
They crouch within, and to the wondering cry
Of "O, Signora!" comes a sad reply.
"Nay, wonder not; this Raphael, little dove,
Is my heart's first, and best, and only love;
To see him once again,—I'd gladly die!
So I shall watch where he must pass me by,—
When Guido comes to tell us. Hark! What sound
Is that I hear? Ah! footsteps this way bound!
Oh, holy Mother! give me strength to pray!
Hush, beating heart!—'tis Raphael comes this way!"
Of "O, Signora!" comes a sad reply.
"Nay, wonder not; this Raphael, little dove,
Is my heart's first, and best, and only love;
To see him once again,—I'd gladly die!
So I shall watch where he must pass me by,—
When Guido comes to tell us. Hark! What sound
Is that I hear? Ah! footsteps this way bound!
Oh, holy Mother! give me strength to pray!
Hush, beating heart!—'tis Raphael comes this way!"
With head bent down,—with lagging step, and slow,
The painter, Raphael, walks, within the glow
Of a bright light, that shines, not far away,
And makes the place about him almost day.
The little Nina falls upon her knee.
Clutching her mistress' gown. "Signora,—see!
The painter, Raphael, walks, within the glow
Of a bright light, that shines, not far away,
And makes the place about him almost day.
The little Nina falls upon her knee.
Clutching her mistress' gown. "Signora,—see!
