Marlena's Vows to John (from Song of Solomon) "Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers are beginning to appear on earth And the time of singing birds is come My beloved is mine and I am his, Until dawn breaks and the shadows fade. Turn my beloved and be thou ever mine." John's Vows to Marlena (from John Clare's "First Love") "I never was struck before that hour, With love so sudden and so sweet, Her face it bloomed like a flower, Are flowers winter's choice? Is love's bed always snow? She always seemed to hear my silent voice Not love's appeals to know. I never saw so sweet a face As though before me stood My heart has left its dwelling place And can return no more."