Finnish Bride-Song

Nora Hopper Chesson

1871 to 1906

Poem Image

Boughs of myrtle here I bring: 
Folds of pall and vair, 
Silver cord and silken string 
And an idle song to sing 
Flaxen-Hair! 

Shall I give you honesty 
Or lad's love to wear? 
Or a wreath less fair to see — 
Juniper and rosemary, 
Flaxen-Hair? 

Rosemary, lest you forget 
What was lief and fair: 
Lad's love sweet thro' fear and fret, 
Lad's love, green and living yet, 
Flaxen-Hair!