Sharp are the thorns of the cactus path-
Aye, Felipe!
But sharper still is the madre’s wrath!
The cactus-hedge is a blossomed flame,
Red star-blooms of the heart untame-
Listen, I hear the mock-bird’s song!
Felipie, Felipe
The day is long,
Is long!
The doors are fast and the gates are barred,
Aye, Felipe!
The sky with a thousand lamps is starred.
Under the rose at the vineyard-edge
But a step to the thick of the cactus-hedge
Listen, the ring-dove’s cooing sweet!
Felipe, Felipe,
The night is fleet,
Is fleet!
