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The Works of Tennyson

The Eversley Edition: Annotated by Alfred, Lord Tennyson: Edited by Hallam, Lord Tennyson
Tennyson, Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892)

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POEMS
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POEMS
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ENOCH ARDEN AND IN MEMORIAM
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THE PRINCESS AND MAUD
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[section]
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THE PRINCESS;
  
PROLOGUE.
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I
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II.
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III.
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IV.
 V. 
V.
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VI.
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VII.
  
CONCLUSION.
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[section]
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Additional lines and fragments of verse extracted from the notes.
 V. 
IDYLLS OF THE KING
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BALLADS AND OTHER POEMS
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DEMETER AND OTHER POEMS
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QUEEN MARY AND HAROLD
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BECKET AND OTHER PLAYS

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113

XI. THE BRIDESMAID.

O Bridesmaid, ere the happy knot was tied,
Thine eyes so wept that they could hardly see;
Thy sister smiled and said, ‘No tears for me!
A happy bridesmaid makes a happy bride.’
And then, the couple standing side by side,
Love lighted down between them full of glee,
And over his left shoulder laugh'd at thee,
‘O happy bridesmaid, make a happy bride.’
And all at once a pleasant truth I learn'd,
For while the tender service made thee weep,
I loved thee for the tear thou couldst not hide,
And prest thy hand, and knew the press return'd,
And thought, ‘My life is sick of single sleep:
O happy bridesmaid, make a happy bride!’
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