Poems (Nealds)/Serenade

by Adeline Martha Nealds

For works with similar titles, see Serenade.

SERENADE.

I've planted my bowerWith many a flower, And I've bid them bloom for thee;Then come, sweet maid,To the green-wood shade, Where blossoms the hawthorn tree.

A wreath I've twin'd,Thy brow to bind, And I've hung it on a bough,Till thou shalt comeTo our fairy home, Why, lady, linger'st thou?

Around thee wait,In pomp and state, Full many an humble slave;But come to my bow'r,At evening hour, Where the hawthorn branches wave.

And, lady, mine,Oh! cease to twine Thy locks with ought but flow'rs;Leave costly gear,For those to wear, Who'd scorn such a life as ours.

Then come to night,The moon shines bright, On yonder castle wall, In my bow'r of green,I will crown thee queen, With a fairy coronal.

Then, lady, come,Leave the gilded dome, Of thy father's princely hall,And my bower shall beA palace to thee, And thou shalt be queen of all.