The Raven and Other Poems/Bridal Ballad

BRIDAL BALLAD

The ring is on my hand, And the wreath is on my brow; Satin and jewels grand Are all at my command, And I am happy now.

And my lord he loves me well; But, when first he breathed his vow, I felt my bosom swell — For the words rang as a knell, And the voice seemed his who fell In the battle down the dell, And who is happy now.

But he spoke to re-assure me, And he kissed my pallid brow, While a reverie came o'er me, And to the church-yard bore me, And I sighed to him before me, Thinking him dead D'Elormie, "Oh, I am happy now!"

And thus the words were spoken, And this the plighted vow, And, though my faith be broken, And, though my heart be broken, Here is a ring, as token That I am happy now!

Would God I could awaken! For I dream I know not how! And my soul is sorely shaken Lest an evil step be taken, — Lest the dead who is forsaken May not be happy now.