473

I am ashamed--I hide---

What right have I---to be a Bride---

So late a Dowerless Girl---

Nowhere to hide my dazzled Face---

No one to teach me that new Grace---

Nor introduce---my Soul---

---

Me to adorn---How---tell---

Trinket---to make Me beautiful---

Fabrics of Cashmere---

Never a Gown of Dun---more---

Raiment instead---of Pompadour---

For Me---My soul---to wear---

---

Fingers---to frame my Round Hair

Oval---as Feudal Ladies wore---

Far Fashions---Fair---

Skill---to hold my Brow like an Earl---

Plead---like a Whippoorwill---

Prove---like a Pearl---

Then, for Character---

---

Fashion My Spirit quaint---white---

Quick---like a Liquor---

Gay---like Light---

Bring Me my best Pride---

No more ashamed---

no more to hide---

Meek---let it be---too proud---for Pride---

Baptized---this Day---a Bride---

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