Philip Bourke Marston - Sonnet I lyrics

A child, with mystic eyes and flowing hair, I saw her first, 'mid flowers that shared her grace; Though but a boy, I cried, "How fair a face!" And, coming nearer, told her she was fair. She faintly smiled, yet did not say "Forbear!" But seemed to take a pleasure in my praise. She led my steps through many a leafy place And pointed where shy birds and sweet flowers were. At length we stood upon a brooklet's brink-- I seem to hear its sources babbling yet-- She gave me water from her hand to drink, The while her eyes upon its flow were set. "Thy name?" I asked; she whispered low, "Regret," Then faded as the sun began to sink.