O stately head, O rippling grace
Of tresses flowing free,
O dark-eyed, queenly, thoughtful face,
Awake and comfort me.
Since love can thrill with noble zeal
The meanest of us all,
It may thy glorious form reveal,
Thy tender soul recall.
Then come thou from thy gilded cage
And nestle by my side,
And I will be thy faithful page,
If thou wilt be my bride.
Come, trustful eyes, and trust in me,
O sweet one, heed my cry;
Speak sad, sweet mouth, I wait for thee
To bid me live or die.
Tell me no artist’s god-like mind
To thy fair face gave birth,
But that his vision I may find
Alive upon this earth.
And I will seek her far and wide,
In palace and in cot,
And love shall once more conquer pride,
And she shall share my lot.