Over the Hill

Where wild flowers were and rippling grass,

I chanced upon a country lass;

" Was never lovelier home, " I said.

She hung her head, blushed very red,

Then raised her eyes, as maidens will, —

" My heart, my heart lives over the hill. "

So fair she was, and so afraid,

I could not quiz the little maid;

So over hilltop must I ride

To see what could be on the other side.

Her words went, too, as sweet words will, —

" My heart, my heart lives over the hill. "

I crossed the hill, looked everywhere,

And asked if a little red heart lived there.

I was sure it did, so I rode along

Till I heard the burden of a song;

Sang the lad o' the mill, as lads they will, —

" My heart, my heart lives over the hill. "

The little lass and the miller boy,

The meed of the years, the grief, the joy,

They told it all, that summer day;

However run the hours away,

Bring fortune good or bring it ill,

Heart and hope live over the hill.