 | [Blossom-time, in] Folk Songs, No. 2 |  |
137
BLOSSOM-TIME.
There's a wedding in the orchard, dear,
I know it by the flowers:
They're wreathed on every bough and branch,
Or falling down in showers.
I know it by the flowers:
They're wreathed on every bough and branch,
Or falling down in showers.
138
The air is in a mist, I think,
And scarce knows which to be—
Whether all fragrance, clinging close,
Or bird-song, wild and free.
And scarce knows which to be—
Whether all fragrance, clinging close,
Or bird-song, wild and free.
And countless wedding-jewels shine,
And golden gifts of grace:
I never saw such wealth of sun
In any shady place.
And golden gifts of grace:
I never saw such wealth of sun
In any shady place.
It seemed I heard the flutt'ring robes
Of maidens clad in white,
The clasping of a thousand hands
In tenderest delight;
Of maidens clad in white,
The clasping of a thousand hands
In tenderest delight;
While whispers ran among the boughs
Of promises and praise;
And playful, loving messages
Sped through the leaf-lit ways.
Of promises and praise;
And playful, loving messages
Sped through the leaf-lit ways.
And just beyond the wreathéd aisles
That end against the blue,
The raiment of the wedding-choir
And priest came shining through.
That end against the blue,
The raiment of the wedding-choir
And priest came shining through.
And though I saw no wedding-guest,
Nor groom, nor gentle bride,
I know that holy things were asked,
And holy love replied.
Nor groom, nor gentle bride,
I know that holy things were asked,
And holy love replied.
139
And something through the sunlight said:
“Let all who love be blest!
The earth is wedded to the spring—
And God, He knoweth best.
“Let all who love be blest!
The earth is wedded to the spring—
And God, He knoweth best.
| [Blossom-time, in] Folk Songs, No. 2 | |