Page:Mistral - Mirèio. A Provençal poem.djvu/42

16 "And then, oh! then,—I saw it with these eyes,— By faith illumined, the blind boy outcries, 'I see the sacred relics, and I see Grandmother all in tears! Now haste,' said he, 'My lambkin with the budding horns to bring To the dear saints for a thank-offering!'

"But thou, my lady, God keep thee, I pray, Handsome and happy as thou art to-day! Yet if a lizard, wolf, or horrid snake Ever should wound thee with its fang, betake Thyself forthwith to the most holy saints, Who cure all ills and hearken all complaints."

So the hours of the summer evening passed. Hard-by the big-wheeled cart its shadow cast On the white yard. Afar arose and fell The frequent tinkle of a little bell In the dark marsh: a nightingale sang yonder; An owl made dreamy, sorrowful rejoinder.

"Now, since the night is moonlit, so the mere And trees are glorified, wilt thou not hear," The boy besought," the story of a race In which I hoped to win the prize?"—"Ah, yes!" The little maiden sighed; and, more than glad, Still gazed with parted lips upon the lad.