Page:Bohemian legends and other poems.djvu/80

 Still one thing—yes, that I can do For stranger, give my daughter true.
 * They are alike one like the other;
 * Like two eyes, from the selfsame mother,
 * And see her thread is silken.”

Granny, your words I do not like— Do as I order, that is right.
 * To-morrow when the dawn is nearing,
 * Bring your stepdaughter, her heart cheering,
 * Unto my kingly castle.”

Arise, my daughter, it is time— The king waits—’tis a merry rhyme—
 * The banquet’s ready; sure, I never
 * Spake better for you—though I never
 * Dared hope for such an honor.”

Array thyself, oh, sister mine: In the king’s courts their clothes are fine;
 * Oh, very high you have sought your mate,
 * And you leave me to my lonely fate—
 * No matter—be but happy.”

Come, Dorothy, beloved one, come, Your bridegroom waits, so only come.
 * When you have entered the forest’s shade
 * You’ll think no more of your home, my maid,
 * Come, hasten, daughter, hasten.”

Mother, dear mother, tell me why You take that knife? It makes me sigh.”
 * The knife is sharp—in the forest deep
 * I’ll cut the eyes of a snake asleep.
 * Come, hasten, daughter, hasten.”

Listen, dear sister, tell me why You take that axe? It makes me sigh.”
 * The axe is good in the forest still,
 * I’ll maim a beast, a beast of ill-will.
 * Come, hasten, sister, hasten.”