I know a maiden1 in bower2 bright,

Who full fair is to sight,

Glorious maiden of might

Fair and free.

In all this noble multitude,

A woman of blood and birth.

I knew not ever

A more lovely one on earth.

Blow northern wind!

Send me my sweet one,

Blow northern wind! Blow, blow, blow!

With locks lovely and long,

With body and face fair to hold,

With many mirths might she mingle3

That maiden so glorious in her bower

With glorious eyes great and good,

With blissful brows under her hood5.

He who was stayed on the cross

His lovely life she honours.

Blow northern wind!

Send me my sweet one,

Blow northern wind! Blow, blow, blow!

Her face beams light

As a lantern at night,

Her hue6 shines so bright

So fair is she and fine.

A darling neck she has to hold

With arms, shoulders, as one would desire

And fingers fair to fold -

God, would she were mine.

Blow northern wind!

Send me my sweet one,

Blow northern wind! Blow, blow, blow!

She is coral of goodness,

She is ruby7 of rightfulness,

She is crystal of cleanness,

And banner of beauty.

She is lily of largess,

She is periwinkle of prowess,

She is sunflower of sweetness,

And lady of loyalty8.

Blow northern wind!

Send me my sweet one,

Blow northern wind! Blow, blow, blow!

For her love I cry and moan,

For her love I droop9 and am dismayed,

For her love my bliss4 is nought10,

And I grow wan11.

For her love my sleep I break,

For her love all night I wake,

For her love mourning I make,

More than any man.

Blow northern wind!

Send me my sweet one,

Blow northern wind! Blow, blow, blow!