Page:Bohemian legends and other poems.djvu/78



A forest and a widening plain— And see a rider comes amain;
 * From out the forest, on fiery steed,
 * One hears the horseshoes ring at his speed
 * As he rides alone, alone.

And by a hamlet down he sprang, And on the door knocks, bang, bang, bang.
 * Hola within! come open the door!
 * In hunting I've lost my way once more,
 * Come, give me water to drink.”

Out came a maiden, wondrous fair, The world n’er saw such beauty rare—
 * She brought him water from out the spring,
 * Bashfully then, made the spin-wheel sing,
 * As she sat there spinning flax.

The rider stops, is looking on, Forgotten thirst in that sweet song.
 * Wondering he watches the fine white thread;
 * His eyes are fixed on the bowed fair head
 * Of the beautiful spinner.

If your hand is free, maiden mine— My wife thou’lt be for thee I pine.”
 * He fain would have clasped her to his breast,
 * But she said, “My mother’s will is best,
 * And I have no will but hers.”