LOVESPIEL
Pick a crimson
clover,
And honeysuckle bells;
Chamomile and betony
To weave a gentle spell;
Bathe them all in moonlight
With dew to set the charm,
Wrap it in a silken cloth
To keep your love from harm.
Oh- you say you have no
lover?
Lover none have you?
Many smile at Meggie
But Meggie smiles at few.
Honeysuckle bells are sweet
The chamomile is calm-
Betony's a simple herb
No need to cause alarm.
Ask the lady of the moon
To steep it all in dew,
Then clothe it in a silken bag
A'woven fine and true.
But- you say you have no
silver?
Silver have you none?
Many trade with Meggie
And Meggie trades with some.
Betony and chamomile
Keep you tempered well-
Gentle is the magic
Of honeysuckle's bell;
Softly in the moonglow
The dew is falling fast-
Stitch it close in silver thread
You want the charm to last.
Yet- you say you want no
magic?
Moonlight you reject?
Shake your head at Meggie
And Meggie won't object.
All my spells are gentle
And everyone is free
To pick a crimson clover
And honey bells for me;
Chamomile and betony
Silk and dewied moon
Oh, you may laugh at Meggie now-
But you will heed her soon.
So- you say you have no time now
No time for this today?
But in the end, my dearie-
You'll see it Meggie's way.
Go, pick a crimson clover
The chamomile is calm;
Gentle is the magic
To keep your love from harm.
Bathe them all in moonlight
When dew is falling fast
Don't you look at Meggie now-
Until the spell is cast.
Then- Meggie is your
darling
And Meggie is your life
What a lucky man you'll be
With Meggie for your wife!