Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922.
The BridgeJames Thomson (18341882)
‘O,
What are you looking for over the bridge?’
A little straw hat with the streaming blue ribbons
Is soon to come dancing over the bridge.
Dancing along like a wave o’ the sea;
Her heart pours the sunshine with which her eyes glancing
Light up strange faces in looking for me.
The strangers all bless her, pure, lovely, and free:
She fancies she walks, but her walk skips and dances,
Her heart makes such music in coming to me.
Are tripping this morning their sweethearts to see;
But none whose heart beats to a sweeter love-cadence
Than hers who will brighten the sunshine for me.
What are you looking for over the bridge?’
A little straw hat with the streaming blue ribbons;
—And here it comes dancing over the bridge!