Ribbons and flowers, baubles and lace;
Powders that brighten the cheek by a trace;
Candies and scents and bright folding fans,
And delicate gloves for your ivory hands.
Lady, I gave you, and would give to this day,
Presents to whisk your sorrow away.

Laughter as warm as the hearthside’s glow;
Quarrels as bitter as midwinter snow;
Talk that is idle as the day is long;
A riddle, a rhyme, a jest, a song.
Lady, I gave you, and would give to this day,
Friendship to clear your sorrow away.

A clasping of hands, a kiss on the cheek;
A smile that makes the darkness less bleak;
A velvety cloak to help you stay warm;
A shoulder to lean on, protection from harm.
Lady, I gave you, and would give to this day,
Comfort to hasten your sorrow away.

Yet presents and friendship and comfort are nought
But sorry replacements for what’s truly sought.
And could magic be woven to change a man,
I’d never have bothered with ribbons and fans.
Lady, I gave you, and would give evermore,
All that I can: nothing less,

Nothing more.

Meriwythr Truefriend
Akroeg 355