Braid the Raven Hair
BRAID the raven hair,Weave the supple tress,Deck the maiden fairIn her loveliness;Paint the pretty face,Dye the coral lip,Emphasise the graceOf her ladyship!Art and nature, thus allied,Go to make a pretty bride!
Sit with downcast eye,Let it brim with dew;Try if you can cry,We will do so, too.When you’re summoned, startLike a frightened roe;Flutter, little heart,Colour, come and go!Modesty at marriage tideWell becomes a pretty bride!