Chatterton, Thomas: Song from Ælla (Minstrel's song)
Song from Ælla (Minstrel's song) (English)O sing unto my roundelay, O drop the briny tear with me; Dance no more at holiday; Like a running river be: My love is dead, Gone to his death-bed, All under the willow tree.
Black his lock as the winter night, White his robe as the summer snow, Red his face as the morning light; Cold he lies in the grave below: My love is dead, Gone to his death-bed, All under the willow tree.
Sweet his tongue as the throstle's note; Quick to dance as thought can be; Deft his tabor, cudgel stout; O! he lies by the willow tree: My love lies dead, Gone to his death-bed, All under the willow tree.
Hark! the raven flaps his wing In the briered dell below; Hark! the death-owl loud doth sing To the night-mares as they go; My love is dead, Gone to his death-bed, All under the willow tree.
See! the white moon shines on high; Whiter in my true-love's shroud, Whiter than the morning sky, Whiter than the evening cloud: My love is dead, Gone to his death-bed, All under the willow tree.
Here upon my true love's grave Shall the barren flowers be laid, Nor one holy saint to save All the coldness of a maid: My love is dead, Gone to his death-bed, All under the willow tree.
With my hands I'll bind the briers Round his holy corse to gre; Ouph and fairy, light your fires- Here my body still shall be: My love is dead, Gone to his deasth-bed, All under the willow tree.
Come with acorn-cup and thorn, Drain my heart's blood away; Life and all its good I scorn, Dance by night or feast by day: My love is dead, Gone to his death-bed, All under the willow tree.
Water-witches crowned with reytes, Bear me to your lethal tide, I die! I come! my true love waits;- Thus the damsel spake and died.
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