To the Bride, When the Marriage Hood is First Put On

Maid! from a distant forest tree, A verdant leaf is blown to thee; And that green leaf has fixed it now, In the green garland on thy brow: The garland green, that we have bound, Maiden! thy auburn ringlets round: O no! it is no leaf, that we Have braided in a wreath for thee; ’Tis the white hood that thou must wear, The token of domestic care: Thou hast no mother now—another, A stranger must be called thy mother; And sister-love thy heart must share, With one who was not born thy brother.