A Woman's Marriage Song

I have shed my orange-blossom: 
I have put aside my veil, my head is bare. 
I have doffed my snowy shining satin wear. 
In my long straight gown of white, 
With no garland in my hair, 
Am I fair? 
Am I fair enough for you, my love, to-night? 

When the music swelled to meet me did I falter? 
But my feet kept step with your feet from the altar. 
And my heart with yours kept beat. 
Now I stay my questing feet — 
Now beside your soul mine stands, 
And my heart is in your hands 
Beating upwards like a flame, 
And the sigil set upon it is your name. 

My veil is off: no more my laces cover 
The bird that sings so loudly in my bosom: 
Can you hear it now the wedding hymns are over? 
Than my veil 
Does my hair make softer shadow for my face. 
This shadow that with kisses you displace. 
Till I grow a rose that came to you so pale? 
Am I sweet enough without my orange-blossom? 

I have put aside my veil and orange-blossom, 
Unclouded, love, I enter into life 
As gladly as the moon comes from her shadow. 
And floods the fen with silver, and the meadow. 
Now my maids are gone and musicking is over: 
And without the door stands sorrow 
Bidding hush the bird that's singing in my bosom; 
Will my music be as sweet for you to-morrow. 
When Time has paled the kisses of your wife r 
Is my love so strong to keep you fast my lover 
All my life?