Virgin, brighter than the morning, <br />Haste and finish thy adorning! <br />Hymen claims his promised day,— <br />Come from thy chamber, come away! <br /> <br />Roses strew, and myrtles bring, <br />Till you drain the wasted Spring;— <br />The altars are already drest, <br />The bower is fitted for its guest, <br />The scattered rose begins to fade,— <br />Come away, reluctant maid! <br /> <br />See what a war of blushes breaks <br />O'er the pure whiteness of her cheeks; <br />The shifting colours prove by turns <br />The torch of Love unsteady burns. <br /> <br />Pleading now, now lingering, fainting, <br />Her soft heart with fear is panting;— <br />Cling not to thy mother so, <br />Thy mother smiles, and bids thee go. <br /> <br />Mind not what thy maidens say; <br />Though they chide the cruel day, <br />Though they weep, and strive to hold thee <br />From his arms that would enfold thee; <br />Kiss, and take a short farewell,— <br />They wish the chance to them befell. <br /> <br />Mighty Love demands his crown <br />Now for all his sufferings done; <br />For all Love's tears, for all his sighs, <br />Thyself must be the sacrifice. <br />Virgin, brighter than the day, <br />Haste from thy chamber, come away!<br /><br />Anna Laetitia Barbauld<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/epithalamium-6/
