77p. Bride Song

FROM ' THE PRINCESS PROGRESS '

TOO late for love, too late for joy, Too late, too late! You loiter'd on the road too long,

You trifled at the gate : The enchanted dove upon her branch

Died without a mate ; The enchanted princess in her tower

Slept, died, behind the grate ; Her heart was starving all this while

You made it wait.

Ten years ago, five years ago,

One year ago, Even then you had arrived in time,

Though somewhat slow ; Then you had known her living face

Which now you cannot know : The frozen fountain would have leap'd.

The buds gone on to blow, The warm south wind would have awaked

To melt the snow.

Is she fair now as she lies ?

Once she was fair ; Meet queen for any kingly king,

With gold-dust on her hair.

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