Page:The Ballads of Marko Kraljević.djvu/96

 Choose now whose apple thou wilt have, Or apple or golden ring." When the damsel understood these words (Though poor she was also prudent), She answered him again, and said: "Kum-in-God, Kraljević Marko ! Stari Svat, Vojvoda Janko! And all ye gay wedding-guests, Brothers-in-God, good friends! An apple is a toy for children, But a ring is a knightly pledge. I will wed with Pavle Ustupčić." Marko roared like a beast of the forest, He smote his knee with his hand, And said to the poor maiden: "Bitch that thou art! Someone hath taught thee this, But say now who hath taught thee!" The damsel made answer: "Dear Kum, Kraljević Marko, Thy sword instructed me." Then Marko laughed loudly upon her, And spake to her, saying: "Well for thee, fair damsel, That thou tookest no apple, Nor apple nor golden ring! By the faith of my body, I should have cut off thy two hands, Nor wouldst thou have saved thy head, Nor ever on thy head have worn the green garland! "