James and Mary Ford, eds. Every Day in the Year. 1902.
February 13Saint Valentines Eve
By Ernest McGaffey (1861 )F
I saw thee over leagues of snow.
Set forth the plumy cedar-tree,
Weave holly and the mistletoe—
Green holly with its berries red,
And let an ample board be spread;
Bring kisses and the elder wine
To usher in Saint Valentine.
And put aside the spinning-wheel;
Such task this night I deem is vain
For hand so shapely, heart so leal.
Touch yonder ancient harpischord
And reap my praise as thy reward,
And let the winter back-log shine
In honor of Saint Valentine.
From lilies tall has caught thy grace?
Thou, with a wavering, dusky storm
Of tresses blown about thy face—
Thy face, as some lone jewel rare
Framed deeply in its crown of hair.
Thy voice is music’s self divine
And well might charm Saint Valentine.
See how yon star descending slips.
Gray was it once as thy clear eyes;
Red, when it fell as thy curved lips.
Turn, turn again; the shadows fall,
And fancifully on the wall
The mistletoe and holly twine
To greet the good Saint Valentine.
Up, up and speed the parting guest!
What if thy heart is chill as snow,
More bitter still is my unrest,
For I must fly who fain would wait.
Yea! fate is love, and love is fate.
Clasp hands and kiss, for thou art mine
And I am thy Saint Valentine.