Our Comrades

WE walked along a splendid street, —
We always walk, my love and I, —
And many a stately home we saw,
Till he looked down with half a sigh,

And half a smile: “ Grand folk live here.”
I laughed a gay defiance then,
And said, “ We ’re grander far than they!
You ’re grander far than all the men,

“And I am grand as any dame
Who walks in velvet down the street,
For strength and youth and love are mine!” —
Ah, but his answering smile was sweet!

A brilliant carriage past us rolled,
A gray-beard sat in it, alone.
My love said lightly, “There he rides,
A rich man.” “Yes, and makes his moan;

“ For all his wealth that man would give
If life were fresh and love were young,
And he could walk, like us, and sing
The song that yesterday we sung! ”

My love ceased sighing. How we laughed,
And tossed our darts of harmless fun,
And praised the blueness of the sky,
And praised the glory of the sun!

We drank a draught of fragrant wine,
We breathed a pure, inspiring air.
“ And why, dear, did you marry me?”
“Because you ’re good and dear and fair.”

“ And why, and why? ”. . . Oh happy hour!
Oh charming street and park and square,
Where we beheld that brightest flower
Which bloomed when Eve was young and fair!

Ah, many a sober face we met
That looked, and questioned, “ Who are these,—
These plain young people, who forget
The winter’s cold, the naked trees? ”

Our eyes were clear, and theirs were blind;
They saw not our companions gay,
For Love was smiling close behind,
And Joy danced wildly all the way!