(A Real Adventure.)

I

It happened sixteen years ago—
It seems but yesterday to me;
And still, as back my thoughts I throw,
It sets my heart all in a glow,

That vision in a cherry-tree!

2

For on a lofty branch I saw,

Enthroned amid the sheltering shade, Crowned with a mushroom hat of straw, Looking like one whose will was law, A most bewildering young maid.

3

Like veritable "Fairy Queen,"

Surrounded by her little court
Of elfin forms, she sate serene;
So sweet a group I ne'er had seen,
Nor one so ripe for merry sport.

4

As though to check my bold advance, She flashed on me her lustrous eyes; Forthwith I felt their lightning glance With magnet's force my soul entrance; Rooted I stood in glad surprise.

5

Anon, o'er her sweet lips there stole
A playful and bewitching smile;
Then, in the rapture of my soul,
I seemed to see Love's very goal,
Such power hath Beauty to beguile!

6

Up to this fairy's tempting bower

A friendly ladder seemed to lead ; I placed my foot with manful power On the first step, when, lo! a shower Of cherries fell upon my head.

7

Like startled bees their queen who guard,
I saw each young elf's arm upraised;
Cherries, like hail, fell fast and hard
Full on the face of this poor Bard,

As still he upward strode amazed.

8

The goal was gained! On a spare bough I innocently took my seat;

But short my triumph proved,-for now My hat she knocked from off my brow, While laughing elves approved the feat.

9

Thus challenged by my fairy foe,
I made a dash at her broad brim,
And tossed it to the earth below;
Her face flushed up with crimson glow,
Her long loose hair all out of trim !

ΙΟ

Then came a friendly mutual truce,
And fruits of victory were mine;
My lips were stained with cherry juice ;
But oft I wondered who the deuce

Could be this unknown nymph divine.

II

She too would know from whence I came, Like one of the sky's wandering stars ; What my profession, age, and name? Each word she uttered fanned a flame Like that which Venus lit in Mars.

12

Methought till then I ne'er had met
Such a delicious little creature,
So wild and frolicsome, and yet

So clever, nice, and sweet a pet;
So perfect too in every feature!

13

At last 'twas time to end our chat,

And down the ladder we descended; Forthwith she pounced on my poor hat, Then bounded off like a wild cat,

Whilst I behind her close attended.

14

The pace was perilous and fast,

And oft she doubled like a hare,

But to a halt she came at last,

Then round her both my arms I cast,

And would have kissed her if I dare.

15

But, at this crisis, up there rushed

A horrid nursery-governess!

My fair one's hat was sadly crushed, She gave me one last look and blushed,

Then left me standing in distress.