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 onward—onward ever—up the hill,

And down the vale they pass—and sparks of fire

Thick as the dust, the rocky pathway fill:

The maiden here—and there in gay attire

The Swater—all—in low respect and duty,

Turning their eyes upon the affianc'd beauty,

As in the sunny beams, the enamour'd air

Play'd with the curls of her luxurious hair.

thrice the dewy morn upon the ground

Hath scatter'd its fresh pearls, since first they took

Their way from out the palace portals—bound

To the fair maiden's cot, in its deep nook;

And now the prince hath bid his nobles meet him,

In full assemblage—they are there—they greet him

With loud rejoicings as he treads the hall,

And thus he makes his purpose known to all.

"! not noble only from high blood,

But from high virtues—ye have urg'd me long

To cheer the hours of princely solitude,

And choose a bride—nor was your counsel wrong: