The Gipsy Wedding

Once more the gipsy aster Her flaunting kerchief waves, Once more along the wood-ways His nuts the squirrel saves; Once more the vagrant passion Stirs heart of man and maid, Once more it is October, Once more the spell is laid. And to Saint Bartel’s altar Two come where was but one, With goldenrod and beechleaf Beneath the amber sun; Two come, Saint Bartelmeo, With sunbrowned hand in hand, To pray your blessing, Father, Upon the golden band. There in the tall cathedral Of tamarack and pine, The old saint gives the blessing, The sunbrowned fingers twine. And down the dusky wood-ways The gipsy lad and maid Go hand in hand together Forever unafraid.