See also Victorian Anthology, pages 307, 569, 153,

57, 70, 164, 277, 257, 549, 292, 514, 538, 155, 584,

409, 116, 37.

1

A BRIDAL SONG.

By John Fletcher.

(Schelling, page 160)

"Roses, their sharp spines being cone,
Not royal in their smells alone,

But in their hue;
Maiden pinks, of odor faint,

Daisies smell-less, yet most quaint,
And sweet thyme true;

Primrose, first-born child of Ver,
Herry spring-time's harbinger,
With her bells din;

Oxlips in their cradles growing,
Marigolds on deathbeds blowing,
Larks' -heels trim -

All dear Nature's children sweet,
Lie 'fore bride and bridegroom's feet,
Blessing their sense!

Not an angel of the air,

Bird melodious, or bird fair,

Be absent hence!

Even the Victorian Bridal Song is not without its

dark side.

BALLAD OF A BRIDAL.

By Edith Bland.

(Vic. An. page 561)

"Oh, fill me flagons full and fair,
Of red wine and of white,

And, maidens mine, my bower prepare,
It is my wedding night!

Braid up my hair with gem and flower,
And make me fair and fine,

The day has dawned that brings the hour
When my desire is mine!'

They decked her bower with roses blown,
With rushes strewed the floor,

And sewed more jewels on her gown
Than ever she wore before.

'Tapers at the bed's foot,' she saith,
'Two tapers at the head!'

(It seemed more like the bed of death
Than like a bridal bed.)

For other convivial lyrics, see Schelling, pages 26, 93,
Content; 44, Good Fortune; 164, Ambition; 149 Song of the
Sailor.
Victorian Anthology, pa es 343, 673, Song

of the Sailor; 117, 496, Unhappiness of Life; 616, Squatter; 40, Western; 308, 216, Patriotic.

The term Lullaby is used only by the Elizabethans; the Victorians use such terms as slumber song, or mother's song. We find much the same difference between these little songs of the Elizabethans and Victorians as between the other classes of lyrics. There is the sparkle and

gaiety in the lullabys for the tiny Elizabethan "sover

ein;" the tone of gentleness and delicacy in the songs for

The cry of her baby meant for the Elizabethan mother