XLII
Χαίροισα νύμφα, χαιρέτω δ’ ὀ γάμβρος·
SHE comes, and youthful voices
On Hymen praise confer;
She comes, and she rejoices,
Rejoice with her,
O bridegroom! Let her see
Thy brave felicity.
She comes, with shining blushes
Of unalloyed delight;
Her very chaplet flushes,
Its buds as bright
With vermeil glow and grace
As is her veilèd face.
She comes, and brings the treasure
Of virgin years apart;
She comes to do thy pleasure
With all her heart;
She knows what joy divine
She keeps to make it thine.
Could Hebe at the table
Of Heaven, her cup of gold
Mixed with delights, be able
Such bliss to hold
And pour, as she, thy bride,
Can offer at thy side ?
She comes, with leaping torches,
With song and merriment;
She sweeps between thy porches,
On thee intent,
As gay as Iris when
She bears glad news to men.
She comes in state, resplendent
As unshorn field of wheat;
And like a vine-branch pendent
With clusters sweet,
She is endowed to bless
With bounteous loveliness.
She is to thee the bearer
Of triumph and of fame;
Be in her mirth a sharer!
For it were shame
If thou, through fear, wert slow
Thine ecstasy to show.
She comes, thy hope fulfilling ;
O happy bridegroom, see,
How gracious and how willing
She comes to thee.
Rejoice! Oh, be not dumb !
Rejoice, for she is come!
