I'll steal the breath of the opening leaf

And breathe it against your cheek ;
I'll steal the scent of the autumn sheaf

For thee, oh maiden meek ;
I'll steal the catkins where willows bide,

Where bees that bumble sip ;
I'll steal the wealth of the forest wide

And splash it against your lip.

I'll steal a song from the blue bird's throat

And I'll pour it in your ear ;
From the broken nest where the hen hawks gloat,

Darling, I'll steal a tear.
I'll steal a kiss from the swallow sweet,

A laugh where the black birds be,
A dance from under the robins' feet,

Darling, I'll steal for thee !