Gilbert and Sullivan Archive


You are here: Archive Home > Arthur Sullivan > Songs & Ballads > The Bride from the North
The Bride from the North
Words by Henry F. Chorley.
Dedicated to H.R.H. The Princess of Wales.
Originally published by Cramer, Beale & Wood in 1863.


The marriage of Edward, Prince of Wales, to Princess Alexandra of Denmark prompted several compositions to mark the occasion. Sullivan wrote three such pieces, all dedicated to the Princess. They were The Princess of Wales March on Danish Airs, The Royal Wedding - Grand March (also known as The Procession March) and this song which was first performed by Mrs. Harriet Lee at the Crystal Palace on 14th March 1863.

The same music provided the setting for The White Plume, with words by J. P. Douglas, published by Weippert & Co., in 1873.
Music Cover

Karaoke File


Prince and Princess of Wales
The Prince and Princess of Wales
The shadows take their flight,
The violet blooms,
Gentle and pure and bright,
A Fairy comes,
Gentle and pure and bright,
A Fairy comes.

Fresh as the day, when dew
Impearls her car,
Waking a music new,
To echo England through
While bridal flow'rs we strew,
Hail! Northern star.

Our gallant mariners tell
Of lands they know,
Where hue of Indian shell
Tinges the snow,
Where hue of Indian shell
Tinges the snow.


Where nights, than our June days
More brilliant are-
And her fair face displays
To Britain's loyal gaze,
That blush, those meteor rays.
Bright Northern Star!

Blessings on that fair face!
Safe on the shore
Of her home-dwelling place,
Stranger no more.
Love from her household shrine,
Keep sorrow far.
May, for her, hawthorn twine,
June, bring sweet eglantine,
Autumn the golden vine,
Dear Northern Star!

Blessings on that fair face!
Safe on the shore -
Dear Northern Star!

Archive Home  |  Arthur Sullivan  |  Songs & Ballads  

Page Created 18 April 2004