Orion, and Other Poems

by Charles G.D. Roberts

 

BALLAD OF A BRIDE

 
BRING orange-blossoms fairly twined,
    Fair-plaited wreaths to wreathe her hair,
Sweet-smelling garlands meet to bind
    Her brows, and be out-glistened there;
    Bring radiant blooms and jewels rare                                             
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Against the happy bridal day;—
    A sound of parting thrills the air:—
Hearken a little to my lay.

Now, blossoms shine, but ye shall find
    Beside her brow ye are not fair;                                                   
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Breathe sweetly an’ ye have a mind,
    But with her breath can ye compare?
    Bright garlands, ye less lovely are,
Nathless adorn her while ye may,—
    Even now her thoughts are otherwhere:—                                    
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Hearken a little to my lay.

Now hasten, maids; the flowérs wind
    Amidst her hair with loving care;
Wind roses, for their red consigned
    Beside her blushes to despair,                                                      
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    Such happy beauty doth she wear;
But haste,—her glad feet scarce will stay,
    Nor us she heeds, for he is near:—
Hearken a little to my lay.

ENVOI

He comes, they go, a blissful pair;
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    Full willingly she speeds away;
Full lightly heeds she this my prayer,—
    Hearken a little to my lay.