THE ORACLE
Two lovers strolled in a dark palm grove
In dreamy tropical "Sunset" land;
The maid was as fair as a dream of love,
While the youth's complexion, dark and tanned,
Was to her fair face as opposite
As stormy night to summer dayÐ
His locks as black as shining jet,
Hers fair as twilight ray.
And as they strolled through wood and woldÐ
Far from the haunts of menÐ
Of love they talked as on they walked,
Down through the "Echo Glen".
When lo! they heard an answering word
From out the echoing stone,
But neither knew the reason true
Why came the solemn tone.
"Ah, all is well 'tis an oracle,"
Spake the credulous maid.
"Then well it is, for the god we'll quiz
As to our fates," he said.
And then he spake, "O for loveÕs sake,
Say who shall be my pet?"
Then the Oracle the truth did tell
With its echoing answerÐ"Bet".
The sound of her name brought a blush of flame
But she cried "My heroÕs I'd like,"
When joyful and dear it fell on her ear,
For the echo answeredÐ"Ike.Ó
And then into his arms she flew
And nestled on his breast,
Saying "Tis clear the Fates my dear
Have decided for the best."
And he said "Tis well, dear Oracle,
I swear by all that's true,
That little Bet shall be my pet
And darling all life through.