William Wordsworth [1770-1850]
PROUD MAISIE
From "The Heart of Midlothian"
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 glow-worm o'er grave and stone
Shall light thee steady;
The owl from the steeple sing
Welcome, proud lady!"
Walter Scott [1771-1832]