How fair the maiden! what can be
So fair, so beautiful, as she?

Ask the mariner who sails
Over the joyous sea,
If wave, or star, or friendly gales,
Are half so fair as she.

Ask the knight on his prancing steed
Returning from victory,
If weapon, or war, or arrow's speed,
Is half so fair as she.

Ask the shepherd who leads his flocks
Along he flowery lea,
If the valley's lap, or the sun-crowned rock,
Are half so fair as she.