The King'S Daughter

Lo, fowl of death, my mother's ring, But the bridal song I must learn to sing. And fain were I for a space alone, For O the wind, and the wind doth moan. And I must array the bridal bed, Fair summer is on many a shield. For O the rain, and the rain drifts red! Fair sing the swans 'twixt firth and field.

Before the day from the night was born, Fair summer is on many a shield. She heard the blast of Steingrim's horn, Fair sing the swans 'twixt firth and field. Before the day was waxen fair Were Steingrim's feet upon the stair. "O bolt and bar they fall away, But heavy are Steingrim's feet to-day." "O heavy the feet of one who bears The longing of days and the grief of years! Lie down, lie down, thou lily-wand That on thy neck I may lay his hand. Whether the King be lief or loth To-day one bed shall hold you both. O thou art still as he is still, So sore as ye longed to talk your fill And good it were that I depart, Now heart is laid so close to heart. For sure ye shall talk so left alone Fair summer is on many a shield. Of days to be below the stone." Fair sing the swans 'twixt firth and field.