Ballads and Lyrics of Old France (40)

    ALL the maidens were merry and wed All to lovers so fair to see； The lover I took to my bridal bed He is not long for love and me.

    I spoke to him and he noting said, I gave him bread of the wheat so fine, He did not eat of the bridal bread, He did not drink of the bridal wine.

    I made him a bed was soft and deep, I made him a bed to sleep with me； 'Look on me once before you sleep, And look on the flower of my fair body.

    'Flowers of April, and fresh May-dew, Dew of April and buds of May； Two white blossoms that bud for you, Buds that blossom before the day.'