American Republican And Baltimore Daily Clipper

HOW AND WHEN TO WOO,
BY W. BRYANT.

Dost thou idly ask to hear
At what gentle seasons
Nymphs relent, when lovers near
Press the tenderest passions?

Ah! they give their faith too oft
To the careless wooer.
Maidens' hearts are always soft-
Would that men's were truer!

Woo the fair one, when around
Early birds are singing;
When o'er all the fragrant ground
Early herbs are springing;

When the brookside, bank, and grove,
All with blossoms laden,
Shine with beauty, breathe of love,
Woo the timid maiden.

Woo her when, with rosy blush,
Summer eve is sinking;
When on rills that softly gush,
Stars are softly winking;

When, through bough that knit the bower,
Moonlight gleams are stealing;
Woo her, till the gentle hour
Wakes a gentler feeling.

Woo her, when autumnal dyes
Tinge the woody mountain;
When the drooping foliage lies
In the half-choked fountain;

By the scene, that tells how fast
Youth is passing over,
Warn her, ere her bloom is past,
To secure her lover.

Woo her when the north winds call
At the lattice nightly;
When, within the cheerful hall,
Blaze the faggots brightly;

While the wintry tempest round
Sweeps the landscape hoary,
Sweeter in her ear shall sound
Love's delightful story.