"I PROMESSI SPOSI."
Princess Maud and the Danish Prince Charley.
(With Apologies to the Memory of the great Author of "Maud.")
["Her Royal Highness Princess Maud of Wales, youngest daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales, is engaged to be married to His Royal Highness Prince Charles, second son of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark. The Queen has received the news of the betrothal of her dear granddaughter with much pleasure, and given her ready consent."—From "Court Circular."]
I.
Words that brighten the season,
As winter's gloom is falling,
"Maud, Maud, Maud, Maud!"
Loyal Britons are calling.
II.
Well loved Maud, of a well-loved brood!
And brave Prince Charles is with her.
'Tis good, indeed, to see once more,
Briton and Dane together!
III.
Sea-king's son from over the sea,
Successfully you have sought her!
England cries "Welcome!" this day to you,
As once to the "Sea-king's daughter."
IV.
Our Queen is well content.
"I Promessi Sposi."
May the future stint its shadows,
And leave their pathway rosy.
V.
Heard she the well-loved voices,
Crying and calling to her:—
Where is Maud, Maud, Maud?
A Prince has come to woo her.
VI.
Hark! a sound at the door!
"Little King Charley snarling"?—
Nay. A Danish Prince from a distant shore;
And—this Charley is her darling!