I am ashamed – I hide –
What right have I – to be a
Bride –
So late a Dowerless Girl –
Nowhere to hide my dazzled
Face –
No one to teach me that
new Grace –
Nor introduce – My soul –

Me to adorn – How – tell –
Trinket – to make Me beautiful –
Fabrics of Cashmere –
Never a Gown of Dun – more –
Raiment instead – of Pompadour –
For Me – My soul – to wear –

Fingers – to frame my Round Hair
Oval – as Feudal Ladies wore –
Far Fashions – Fair –

 ¦

Skill – to hold my Brow like an Earl –
Plead – like a Whippowil –
Prove – like a Pearl –
Then, for Character –

Fashion My Spirit quaint – white –
Quick – like a Liquor –
Gay – like Light –
Bring Me my best Pride –
No more ashamed –
No more to hide –
Meek – let it be –
too proud – for Pride –
Baptized – this Day – A Bride –