The Ballad Of Oriana

My heart is wasted with my woe, Oriana
There is no rest for me below, Oriana
When long dun wolds are ribb'd with snow
And loud the Norland whirlwinds blow
Alone I wander to and fro, Oriana

In the yew-wood black as night, Oriana
Ere I rode into the fight, Oriana
While blissful tears blinded my sight
By star-shine and by moonlight
I to thee my troth did plight, Oriana

She stood upon the castle wall, Oriana
She watch'd my crest among them all, Oriana
She saw me fight, she heard me call
When forth there stept a foeman tall
Atween me and the castle wall, Oriana

The bitter arrow went aside, Oriana
The false, false arrow went aside, Oriana
The damned arrow glanced aside
And pierced thy heart my love my bride
Thy heart, my life, my love, my bride, Oriana

They should have stabb'd me where I lay, Oriana!
How could I rise and come away, Oriana?
How could I look upon the day?
They should have stabb'd me where I lay
They should have trod me into clay, Oriana

O breaking heart that will not break, Oriana!
O pale, pale face so sweet and meek, Oriana!
Thou smilest, but thou dost not speak
And then the tears run down my cheek
What wantest thou? Whom dost thou seek, Oriana?

I cry aloud: None hear my cries, Oriana
Thou comest atween me and the skies, Oriana
I feel the tears of blood arise
Up from my heart unto my eyes
Within thy heart my arrow lies, Oriana

When Norland winds pipe down the sea, Oriana
I walk, I dare not think of thee, Oriana
Thou liest beneath the greenwood true
I dare not die and come to thee
I hear the roaring of the sea, Oriana