Page:Bohemian legends and other poems.djvu/81

 And when they reached the forest dark They said, “That snake, that beast, thou art!”
 * The mountains and valleys wept to see
 * How they killed the bride that was to be,
 * That poor girl without blemish.

Rejoice now in your stalwart groom; Rejoice within your pleasant room;
 * Look on him stately as a tower;
 * Gaze on his brow in festive hour,
 * You spinner, great in beauty.”

Dear mother, tell me what to do With eyes and limbs, what shall I do?
 * Don’t leave them by the trunk, my daughter,
 * Who knows but some one here might loiter—
 * Yes, rather take them with you.”

And when they left the forest shade The mother said, “Be not afraid;
 * You are alike—one like the other;
 * Like two eyes from the selfsame mother.
 * Take courage, then, my daughter.”

And as they neared the castle gate, The king was watching for his mate.
 * He left the window, and went to meet,
 * With his lords behind, his maiden sweet;
 * He did not dream of treachery.

There was a wedding! Play on play, The bride sat laughing all the day.
 * There were banquets, music all the time;
 * The world seemed to dance, to merry chime,
 * Till the seventh day had passed.

And on the eighth day the king spake: Alas! my bride I must forsake.
 * I must go and fight the haughty foe.
 * Be happy, my bride, and let no woe
 * Be thine till I come again.