T'was on a summers evening
When first I saw her there;
Starlight sparkled in her eyes;
The breeze blew through her hair
And I beheld her gracious form,
So slender, young and fair.

As she strolled past down the path
That led beside the lake,
Ripples on the shore I heard;
I dared a sound not make.
Yet, so enraptured was I then
I wondered if I were awake.

She paused a moment by the water,
A moonbeam in her face.
Upon her wrist a bracelet shone;
Around her throat was lace.
A velvet bodice tight she wore
To shape her breast with grace.

Ere she paused a moments lapse
Reflected in the water clear,
My heart did overlook a beat
When, with expectant fear
I thought that she had sensed me -
Surely love was in the air.

How I longed to hold her
And have her by my side;
To tell her how I loved her,
To open my heart wide.
Together we'd have children
As our lasting life-long pride.

But God did not wish it so
And she moved away,
Away from me and all my hope,
From all for which I'd prayed.
Now have I only memories
Of that Heaven sent day.

Memories lingering up before
My mind in vision bright.
I dream that she's become my bride,
I hold her close and tight.
Yet, I can not touch a dream,
A mere trick upon my sight.