University of Virginia Library

How long grows the southernwood ,
With the dew lying on it so bright !
Now that I see my noble men ,
My heart is entirely satisfied .
As we feast , we laugh and talk ;—
It is right they should have fame and prosperity !

How long grows the southernwood ,
With the dew lying on it so abundantly !
Now that I see my noble men ,
I appreciate their favour and their brightness .
Their virtue is without taint of error ;—
May they live long , and not be forgotten !

How high is the southernwood ,
All wet with the fallen dew !
Now that I see my noble men ,
Grandly we feast , delighted and complacent .
May their relations with their brothers be right !
May they be happy in their excellent virtue to old age !

How high is the southernwood ,
With the dew lying on it so richly !
I have seen my noble men ,
With the ends of their reins hanging down ,
With the bells tinkling on their cross-boards and bits .
May all happiness gather upon them .