I am ashamed-I hide

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I am ashamed-I hide-
What right have I-to be a Bride-
So late a Dowerless Girl-
Nowhere to hide my dazzled Face-
No one to teach me that new Grace-
Nor introduce-my Soul-

Me to adorn-How-tell-
Trinket-to make Me beautiful-
Fabrics of Cashmere-
Never a Gown of Dun-more-
Raiment instead-of Pompadour-
For Me-My soul-to wear-

Fingers-to frame my Round Hair
Oval-as Feudal Ladies wore-
Far Fashions-Fair-
Skill to hold my Brow like an Earl-
Plead-like a Whippoorwill-
Prove-like a Pearl-
Then, for Character-
Fashion My Spirit quaint-white-
Quick-like a Liquor-
Gay-like Light-
Bring Me my best Pride-
No more ashamed-
No more to hide-
Meek-let it be-too proud-for Pride-
Baptized-this Day-a Bride-