For on this night the bride,

The days of her betrothal over,

Leaves the parental hearth for evermore;

To-night the bride goes forth to meet her lover.

Reach down the wedding vesture, that has lain

Yet all unvisited, the silken gown:

Bring out the bracelets, and the golden chain

Her dearer friends provided: sere and brown

Bring out the festal crown,

And set it on her forehead lightly: