Page:Poetry of the Magyars.djvu/118

12 The Emperor's daughter, standing near the window,

Heard him—look'd in—and soon was moved to pity;

Besides, Szilagyi's form had pleased the maiden.

And suddenly she sought the prison's portal,

And pour'd sweet comfort on Szilagyi's bosom,

And gently, sweetly, held this flattering language:

"Young hero! if upon thy knightly honor

Thou swear to bring me to the Magyar country,

And swear too (should I prosper) to espouse me—

"I shall be satisfied—and I will free thee;

Yes! I will free thee from thy prison's darkness:

So swear me by thy faith and by thine honor!"

And soon Szilagyi answered—"Free me, maiden!

And I will wed thee—by my faith and honor

I swear to wed thee, thou imperial daughter!"

And so the maiden won the prison keeper;—

Aroused at midnight both the sleeping heroes,

And led them forth to the imperial stables:

Gave each a sharpen'd sword in golden scabbard;

They kill'd the stable-keepers and attendants,

And the three fleetest horses swiftly saddled.

The morning brought the tidings to the Emperor—

The prisoners were out-broken from the prison—

The boys, the keepers of the stables, murder'd.