Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems :: :: University of Virginia Library

The church bells are ringing, the village is gay,
And Lilla is deck'd in her bridal array.
She's woo'd and she's won
By a proud baron's son—
And Lilla's a lady.

II

And see o'er the valley who rides at full speed,
A gallant young knight on a spirited steed,
And why starts the youth
When they tell him the truth—
That Lilla's a lady.

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III

He's smiling in scorn or he's smiling in jest,
While three snow white lilies he takes from his breast;
“A poor maid,” says he,
“Gave this token to me,—
“But Lilla's a lady.”

IV

“These sweet little lilies that grew in the shade,
Transplanted to sunshine, unnoticed may fade;
Though mere words of course,
You may yet feel their force—
Since Lilla's a lady.”

V

“I came here misled by a false woman's vow.
I will stay to drink health to the baroness now.
And oh! it will be
Quite as pleasant to me—
Since Lilla's a lady.”

VI

“Believe not I'll pine,—no, I travelled so far
For the girl that you seem'd, not the girl that you are;
You are woo'd, you are won
By a proud baron's son—
And Lilla's a lady.”