436. The Pride of Youth

PROUD Maisie is in the wood,

Walking so early;

Sweet Robin sits on the bush

Singing so rarely.

‘Tell me, thou bonny bird,

When shall I marry me?’

—‘When six braw gentlemen

Kirkward shall carry ye.’

‘Who makes the bridal bed,

Birdie, say truly?’

—‘The gray-headed sexton

That delves the grave duly.

‘The glowworm o’er grave and stone

Shall light thee steady;

The owl from the steeple sing,

Welcome, proud lady.’