Julius Mosen: “The Bridal Chamber”
Excerpt, The Poetry of Germany, Consisting from Upwards of Seventy of the Most Celebrated Poets.” Translated into English Verse by Alfred Baskerville. 1853.

THE BRIDAL CHAMBER
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Glowing waxen tapers tremble,
Calmly sleeps the fairest maid
Under flowers, wreaths, and spangles,
Gifts by fond affection laid.
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With the little wreath of myrtle
Round her glossy flaxen hair,
With a strange unearthly brightness
Death illumes her visage fair.
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Gentle tones play round the sleeper,
As of holy angels’ wings,
And the harp with wailing accents
Softly through the chamber rings.
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Maiden, did thy heart foretell thee
Such a bridal bed of pride?
That thy rest would be so regal,
Didst thou think of that, sweet bride?