I beg to know O darling belle
who stands beneath the mighty tree.
I wish to hear once more a knell
before the night has come to be.

And from the toll of brassy ring
upon the knoll of wooded glen,
I’ll stand alone as cherubs sing
of thee I love, before all men.

For in thy hands there lies a heart
from in this chest that ragged beats.
And from the land a journey parts
as shadows lie in night’s retreat.

I gave beneath the tethered bow
of red and blue and yellow trim,
My love and heart, of this you know
as wine escapes the polished rim.

And when the vine does rise again
into the white majestic skies,
I’ll say to you I’ll love you when
the light is gone, our river dries.