The Unconsenting Bride by Jules

Painting by Edward Hughes

And there, at the water's edge I stood useless. While you, oblivious, Drifting through spires of reeds and rushes And sepulchral purple iris, No longer of this world. Your face so lily pale Your eyes so sweetly closed With trailing wild forget-me-nots Like blue stars glistening In your flowing midnight curls, Yes. There at the water's brink I stood . Helpless. While you, dreamless, On dew-drenched grasses were tenderly laid In your mud-soaked bridal gown. Your spirit flown. And there was no man, Who, that day looking on, Would not willingly for your love Have given heart and home. And I Not least for one.