In the days long gone, alas!
Two upon a cloud, low-seated,
Saw their pinions in the glass
Of a silver lake repeated.
One was blue and one was red,
And the lovely pair were wed.

"Purple wings are very fine,"
Spoke the voice of Ruby, gently:
"Ay" said Sapphire, "they're divine!"--
Looking at his blue intently.
"But we're blest," said Ruby, then,
"And we'll not complain like men."

Sapphire stretched his loving arms,
And she nestled on his bosom,
While his heart inhaled her charms
As the sense inhales a blossom;--
Drank her wholly, tint and tone,
Blent her being with his own.

Rapture passed, they raised their eyes,
But were startled into clamor
Of a marvellous surprise!
Was it color! was it glamour!
Purple-tinted, sweet and warm,
Was each wing and folded form!

Who had wrought it--how it came--