Reminiscence, A

We stood beneath a night of June, —
     My cousin Kate and I, — 
And over us the full-orbed moon
     Stood regnant in the sky; 
The whippoorwill his cheery tune
     Sang from the brake hard by.

From folded flowers a breath of balm
     Stole out upon the air; 
She said, “So day's exulting psalm
     Is followed by a prayer!" 
I thought — "The night is wondrous calm,
     And Kate is wondrous fair!"

The moonbeams kissed her lifted brow, 
     The zephyrs kissed her cheek,
And I — but Kate may tell you how 
     The thing I must not speak
Sent blushes to her face, as now, 
     To play at hide-and-seek!