THE INDIAN SERENADE

1 I arise from dreams of thee
2 In the first sweet sleep of night,
3 When the winds are breathing low,
4 And the stars are shining bright:
5 I arise from dreams of thee,
6 And a spirit in my feet
7 Hath led me--who knows how?
8 To thy chamber window, Sweet!

9 The wandering airs they faint
10 On the dark, the silent stream--
11 The Champak odours fail
12 Like sweet thoughts in a dream;
13 The Nightingale's complaint,
14 It dies upon her heart;--
15 As I must on thine,
16 Oh, belovèd as thou art!

17 Oh lift me from the grass!
18 I die! I faint! I fail!
19 Let thy love in kisses rain
20 On my lips and eyelids pale.
21 My cheek is cold and white, alas!
22 My heart beats loud and fast;--
23 Oh! press it to thine own again,
24 Where it will break at last.