Page:Mistral - Mirèio. A Provençal poem.djvu/81

] But now Mirèio, to the room returning, With face as radiant as an Easter morning, A flagon bore; and, for their spirits' sake, Besought them all her beverage to partake: "For this will make us work with heartier will; So come, good women, and your goblets fill!"

Then, pouring from the wicker-covered flask A generous drink for whosoe'er might ask, (A string of gold the falling liquor made), "I mixed this cordial mine own self" she said: "One leaves it in a window forty days, That it may mellow in the sun's hot rays.

"Herein are mountain herbs, in number three. The liquor keeps their odor perfectly: It strengthens one." Here brake in other voices: "Listen, Mirèio! Tell us what your choice is; For these have told what they would do, if they Were queens, or came to great estate one day.

"In such a case, Mirèio, what would you?" "Who, I? How can I tell what I would do? I am so happy in our own La Crau With my dear parents, wherefore should I go?" "Ah, ha!" outspake another maiden bold: "Little care you for silver or for gold.