Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Norman Gale b. 1862

The First Kiss

ON Helen’s heart the day were night!

But I may not adventure there:

Here breast is guarded by a right,

And she is true as fair.

And though in happy days her eyes

The glow within mine own could please,

She ’s purer than the babe who cries

For empire on her knees.

Her love is for her lord and child,

And unto them belongs her snow;

But none can rob me of her wild

Young kiss of long ago!