1
O! there is a wood in a still and deep
And solitary vale
Where no sound is heard save the wild wind's sweep
And the lay of the nightingale
2
And far in the depth of the leafy trees
An elm grows fair and high
Where ever the voice of the solemn breeze
Sighs with soft harmony
3
And far beneath its tremb'ling shade
Soft moss and green grass grow
There the violet & wild-rose bud & fade
There the lily & hare bell blow
4
A ripp'ling streamlet wanders near
Unseen in the flow'r-blent grass
But a murmur is heard full sweet & clear
As its silver waters pass
5
Twas night, a pearly lustre fell
On mountain, wave, & tower
Now spirits wove their magic spell
In many a hidden bower
6
I lay within that calm retreat
The green wood shade among
And soon I sunk to slumber sweet
Lulled by the streamlet's song.
7
A strange dream o'er my spirit crept
As in that shady dell
In silent peace I lay and slept
While the balm of heaven fell
Methought I saw a wild deep sea
And heard a sullen roar
As its mighty waves broke heavily
On the bleak & lonely shore
I saw two forms of human mould
Beneath a tall rock's shade
Watching the long bright rays of gold
Far in the bright west fade
One was a young and noble Knight
Stately, in plumed pride
The other was a lady bright
And she stood by the warrior's side
I saw the dark light of the noble's eye
As he leaned on his white war-steed
But her's was as blue as the sapphire sky
And frail was her form as the reed
The young knight made a solemn vow
Of constancy till death
Truth's light beamed fair on his brow
While he pledged his knightly faith
The lady smiled a heavenly smile
Which showed nor doubt nor fear
But their stood in her radiant eye the while
A bright and tender tear
She took one lock of her golden hair
From all those clust'ring curls
Bound with a garland of Flow'rets fair
And a string of orient pearls
Then gave that token tremblingly
To the soldier by her side
And he swore again by earth & sky
That she should be his bride
Now changed the scene. upon my sight
A lofty palace grew
And a sun-like splendour a golden light
High lamps & torches threw
The juice of the scorched grape was sparkling bright
With ruby radiance & bloodred light
That nectar which lightens the weary soul
Gleamed in the wine-cup & wassail bowl
The music of harps & of trumpets rung
And The strings of the wild guitar were strung
Full soft were the breathings of viol and lute
While the clear clarion answered the tones of the flute
Now white robes fluttered and tall plumes glanced,
While nobles and ladies in bright rings danced
Gracefully gliding the pillars among
To the sound of the harps and the joyous song
I knew 'twas a bridal, for under a bower
Of the rose & the myrtle & fair lily flower
Stood that that stately noble in plumed pride
And that sweet fair lady his plighted bride
With the mystic ring on her finger fair
And the nuptial wreath in her radiant hair
They are joined & for ever the mingled name
Of Marina and Albion is hallowed to fame
O! there is a wood in a still and deep
And solitary vale
Where no sound is heard save the wild wind's sweep
And the lay of the nightingale
2
And far in the depth of the leafy trees
An elm grows fair and high
Where ever the voice of the solemn breeze
Sighs with soft harmony
3
And far beneath its tremb'ling shade
Soft moss and green grass grow
There the violet & wild-rose bud & fade
There the lily & hare bell blow
4
A ripp'ling streamlet wanders near
Unseen in the flow'r-blent grass
But a murmur is heard full sweet & clear
As its silver waters pass
5
Twas night, a pearly lustre fell
On mountain, wave, & tower
Now spirits wove their magic spell
In many a hidden bower
6
I lay within that calm retreat
The green wood shade among
And soon I sunk to slumber sweet
Lulled by the streamlet's song.
7
A strange dream o'er my spirit crept
As in that shady dell
In silent peace I lay and slept
While the balm of heaven fell
Methought I saw a wild deep sea
And heard a sullen roar
As its mighty waves broke heavily
On the bleak & lonely shore
I saw two forms of human mould
Beneath a tall rock's shade
Watching the long bright rays of gold
Far in the bright west fade
One was a young and noble Knight
Stately, in plumed pride
The other was a lady bright
And she stood by the warrior's side
I saw the dark light of the noble's eye
As he leaned on his white war-steed
But her's was as blue as the sapphire sky
And frail was her form as the reed
The young knight made a solemn vow
Of constancy till death
Truth's light beamed fair on his brow
While he pledged his knightly faith
The lady smiled a heavenly smile
Which showed nor doubt nor fear
But their stood in her radiant eye the while
A bright and tender tear
She took one lock of her golden hair
From all those clust'ring curls
Bound with a garland of Flow'rets fair
And a string of orient pearls
Then gave that token tremblingly
To the soldier by her side
And he swore again by earth & sky
That she should be his bride
Now changed the scene. upon my sight
A lofty palace grew
And a sun-like splendour a golden light
High lamps & torches threw
The juice of the scorched grape was sparkling bright
With ruby radiance & bloodred light
That nectar which lightens the weary soul
Gleamed in the wine-cup & wassail bowl
The music of harps & of trumpets rung
And The strings of the wild guitar were strung
Full soft were the breathings of viol and lute
While the clear clarion answered the tones of the flute
Now white robes fluttered and tall plumes glanced,
While nobles and ladies in bright rings danced
Gracefully gliding the pillars among
To the sound of the harps and the joyous song
I knew 'twas a bridal, for under a bower
Of the rose & the myrtle & fair lily flower
Stood that that stately noble in plumed pride
And that sweet fair lady his plighted bride
With the mystic ring on her finger fair
And the nuptial wreath in her radiant hair
They are joined & for ever the mingled name
Of Marina and Albion is hallowed to fame