Page:The Collected Poems of Dora Sigerson Shorter.djvu/113

94 Now when this cruel oath he said The youth did chide him, crying, “Since I have neither field nor bed Your curse shall fall to dying.

“But if I had yon broad grass land, And there put roof and rafter, I vow revenge were to your hand And you'd have all the laughter.”

“If that be so,” the old man cried, Unto the faithful lover, “Take you yon keep the wood beside, And me land that it doth cover.

“So my oath fall on land and lot, On house and home forever. Your wife shall pine on the cursed spot, I shall be beaten never!”

When thus he spoke in anger wild, The youth did stay him, saying, “Since I have neither wife nor child Still goes your curse delaying.

“But should I win for my true bride Some day your own fair daughter, Alack I not then your will denied To make a grievous slaughter.”

When the old man this tale did hear. He tried no more to stay him, He gave the youth his daughter dear. So that his curse might slay him.

All silent he for a year and a day All lone with his rage and sorrow, Then he spoke his wrath, “Too long I stay, I will seek their roof to-morrow.”