She whose hair streams down her back,

Is it my wife? It is indeed!

What has scattered the silver-seeming leaves?

Is it the blue birch? It is indeed!

She whose hair streams down her neck,

Is it my betrothed? It is indeed!

This is growing a bit too artistic for comfort; and presently in another song direct simile breaks out:—

As the meadow fire in spring,

Warms this heart of mine;

As the bird that comes in spring,