Pretty Phoebe Lane and I,
In the soft May weather,
Barefoot down the furrows went
Dropping corn together.
Side by side across the field
Back and forth we hurried;
All the golden grains we dropped
Soon the ploughshare buried.
Bluebirds on the hedges sat,
Chirping low and billing;
'Why,' thought I, 'not follow suit,
If the maid is willing?'
So I whispered, 'Phoebe, dear,
Kiss me'-'Keep on dropping!'
Called her father from the plough;
'There 's no time for stopping!'
The cord was loosed,-the moment sped;
The golden charm was broken!
Nevermore between us two
Word of love was spoken.
What a little slip, sometimes,
All our hope releases!
How the merest breath of chance
Breaks our joy in pieces!
Sorrow's cup, though often drained,
Never lacks for filling;
And we can't get Fortune's kiss
When the maid is willing!