Bridal Ballad
Bridal Ballad - meaning Summary
Joy Shadowed by Memory
A bride presents outward happiness—ring, wreath, and vows—while privately haunted by the memory of a dead lover, D’Elormie. The ceremony triggers reveries of a churchyard and a voice like a knell, turning joy into doubt. She gives a token ring even as her faith and heart are broken, fearing both that she has betrayed the dead and that he may not be at peace.
Read Complete AnalysesThe ring is on my hand, And the wreath is on my brow; Satin and jewels grand Are all at my command, And I am happy now. And my lord he loves me well; But, when first he breathed his vow, I felt my bosom swell- For the words rang as a knell, And the voice seemed his who fell In the battle down the dell, And who is happy now. But he spoke to re-assure me, And he kissed my pallid brow, While a reverie came o’er me, And to the church-yard bore me, And I sighed to him before me, Thinking him dead D’Elormie, “Oh, I am happy now!” And thus the words were spoken, And this the plighted vow, And, though my faith be broken, And, though my heart be broken, Here is a ring, as token That I am happy now! Would God I could awaken! For I dream I know not how! And my soul is sorely shaken Lest an evil step be taken,- Lest the dead who is forsaken May not be happy now.
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