Page:Friendship's Offering 1837.pdf/10

322

Her sister watched her anxiously, She saw that she was changed; And felt, although she would not own, Somewhat they were estranged.

For sudden and unnatural Was often Minna's glee; And her fond sister saw the tears She was not meant to see.

One day she watched her steal away Towards a little wood; Ah! what could Minna's young glad heart Desire of solitude?

She saw her bend above a scroll, She saw her bend and weep; "My own sweet sister, why should'st thou    Such weary secret keep?"

Unseen she reached the reader's side: Ah! doth she see aright? There is a name upon the scroll,— Her own betrothed knight.

She had, herself, when but a child, Been named Count Rodolph's bride; Alas! now for her woman's love, And for her woman's pride.