Braid the raven hair Lyrics

ACT II.

SCENE.--Ko-Ko's Garden.
Yum-Yum discovered seated at her bridal toilet, surrounded by
maidens, who are dressing her hair and painting her face and
lips, as she judges of the effect in a mirror.

SOLO--PITTI-SING and CHORUS OF GIRLS.

CHORUS. Braid the raven hair--
Weave the supple tress--
Deck the maiden fair
In her loveliness--
Paint the pretty face--
Dye the coral lip--
Emphasize the grace
Of her ladyship!
Art and nature, thus allied,
Go to make a pretty bride.
SOLO--PITTI-SING.

Sit with downcast eye
Let it brim with dew--
Try if you can cry--
We will do so, too.
When you're summoned, start
Like a frightened roe--
Flutter, little heart,
Colour, come and go!
Modesty at marriage-tide
Well becomes a pretty bride!
CHORUS.

Braid the raven hair, etc.

[Exeunt Pitti-Sing, Peep-Bo, and Chorus.