A little girl through field and wood br Went plucking flowerets here and there, br When suddenly beside her stood br A lady wondrous fair! br br The lovely lady smiled, and laid br A wreath upon the maiden's brow; br 'Wear it, 'twill blossom soon,' she said, br 'Although 'tis leafless now.' br br The little maiden older grew br And wandered forth of moonlight eves, br And sighed and loved as maids will do; br When, lo! her wreath bore leaves. br br Then was our maid a wife, and hung br Upon a joyful bridegroom's bosom; br When from the garland's leaves there sprung br Fair store of blossom. br br And presently a baby fair br Upon her gentle breast she reared; br When midst the wreath that bound her hair br Rich golden fruit appeared. br br But when her love lay cold in death, br Sunk in the black and silent tomb, br All sere and withered was the wreath br That wont so bright to bloom.