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,Emphasize 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, start,Like a frightened roe;Flutter, little heart.Colour, come and go!Modesty at marriage tideWell becomes a pretty bride!