Virgin, brighter than the morning, Haste and finish thy adorning! Hymen claims his promised day, -- Come from thy chamber, come away! Roses strew, and myrtles bring, Till you drain the wasted Spring; -- The altars are already drest, The bower is fitted for its guest, The scattered rose begins to fade, -- Come away, reluctant maid! See what a war of blushes breaks O'er the pure whiteness of her cheeks; The shifting colours prove by turns The torch of Love unsteady burns. Pleading now, now lingering, fainting, Her soft heart with fear is panting; -- Cling not to thy mother so, Thy mother smiles, and bids thee go. Mind not what thy maidens say; Though they chide the cruel day, Though they weep, and strive to hold thee From his arms that would enfold thee; Kiss, and take a short farewell, -- They wish the chance to them befell. Mighty Love demands his crown Now for all his sufferings done; For all Love's tears, for all his sighs, Thyself must be the sacrifice. Virgin, brighter than the day, Haste from thy chamber, come away! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: STATE'S ATTORNEY FALLAS by EDGAR LEE MASTERS INDEPENDENCE DAY, 1956, A FAIRY TALE by JAMES GALVIN A MID-DAY DREAMER by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON SYMPHONIC STUDIES (AFTER ROBERT SCHUMANN) by EMMA LAZARUS SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: JOHN WASSON by EDGAR LEE MASTERS BUCOLIC COMEDY: EARLY SPRING by EDITH SITWELL |