Songs, Merry and Sad

Love's Fashion

     Oh, I can jest with Margaret
      And laugh a gay good-night,
     But when I take my Helen's hand
      I dare not clasp it tight.

     I dare not hold her dear white hand
      More than a quivering space,
     And I should bless a breeze that blew
      Her hair into my face.

     'T is Margaret I call sweet names:
      Helen is too, too dear
     For me to stammer little words
      Of love into her ear.

     So now, good-night, fair Margaret,
      And kiss me e'er we part!
     But one dumb touch of Helen's hand,
      And, oh, my heart, my heart!