Through the Meadow
by William Dean Howells

The summer sun was soft and bland,
As they went through the meadow land.
Across the stream was scarce a step,
And yet she feared to try the leap;
And he to still her sweet alarm,
Must lift her over on his arm.
She could not keep the narrow way,
For still the little feet would stray,
And ever must he bend t’undo
The tangled grasses from her shoe,
From dainty rosebud lips in pout,
Must kiss the perfect flower out!
Ah, little coquette! Fair deceit!
Some things are bitter that were sweet.