Page:Poems Osgood.djvu/199

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
new england's moutain child.
189

She binds not her luxuriant hair
With dazzling gem or costly plume,
But gayly wreathes a rose-bud there,
To match her maiden-bloom.

She clasps no golden zone of pride
Her fair and simple robe around;
By flowing riband, lightly tied,
Its graceful folds are bound.

And thus attired,—a sportive thing,
Pure, loving, guileless, bright, and wild,—
Proud Fashion! match me in your ring,
New England's Mountain-child!

She scorns to sell her rich, warm heart,
For paltry gold, or haughty rank,—
But gives her love, untaught by art,
Confiding, free, and frank!

And once bestow'd,—no fortune-change
That high and generous faith can alter;
Through grief and pain—too pure to range—
She will not fly or falter.