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Will wasted strength recruit, and cheer your hearts. Ere long I'll join you at the board, and fill A hearty cup of health and thanks to all. And now, dear maid, thou pearl and gem of beauty, The prize for which this bloody fray was fought, Wilt thou forgive a youthful lover's boldness, And the rude outrage by his love committed? Wilt thou not speak to me?

What can I say? I was the destined bride of great Rasinga; My father told me so.

But did thy heart— Did thine own heart, sweet maid, repeat the tale? And did it say to thee, "The elder chieftain Is he whom I approve; his younger rival Unworthy of my choice?"

My choice! a modest virgin hath no choice. That I have seen you both; that both have seen My unveil'd face, alas! is my dishonour, Albeit most innocent of such exposure.