UP those Museum steps you came,And straightway all my blood was flame, O Lallie, Lallie !
The world (I had been feeling low)In one short moment's space did grow A happy valley.
There was a friend, my friend, with you;A meagre dame in peacock blue Apparelled quaintly:
This poet-heart went pit-a-pat;I bowed and smiled and raised my hat; You nodded--faintly.
My heart was full as full could be;You had not got a word for me, Not one short greeting;
That nonchalant small nod you gave(The tyrant's motion to the slave) Sole mark'd our meeting.
Is it so long ? Do you forgetThat first and last time that we met? The time was summer.
The trees were green; the sky was blue;Our host presented me to you-- A tardy comer.
You look'd demure, but when you spokeYou made a little, funny joke, Yet half pathetic.
Your gown was grey, I recollect,I think you patronized the sect They call "æsthetic."
I brought you strawberries and cream,And plied you long about a stream With duckweed laden ;
We solemnly discussed the -- heat.I found you shy and very sweet, A rosebud maiden.
Ah me, to-day! You passed insideTo where the marble gods abide: Hermes, Apollo,
Sweet Aphrodite, Pan; and where,For aye reclined, a headless fair Beats all fairs hollow.
And I, I went upon my way,Well -- rather sadder, let us say; The world looked flatter.
I had been sad enough before,A little less, a little more, What does it matter?
