I see your red-gold hair and know
⁠How white the hidden skin must be,
Though sun-kissed face and fingers show
The fervour of the noon-day glow,
⁠The keenness of the sea.

My longing fancies ebb and flow,
⁠Still circling constant unto this;
My great desire (ah, whisper low)
To plant on thy forbidden snow
⁠The rosebud of a kiss.

The scarlet flower would spread and grow,
⁠Your whiteness change and flush,
Be still, my reckless heart, beat slow,
'T is but a dream that stirs thee so!)
⁠To one transparent blush.