Page:The Kobzar of the Ukraine.pdf/55

Rh ::So they gave him sage advice,
 * And they made decision nice.

Soon his grave friends about him stand. He sends them to woo, a stately band. Back they come with towels on shoulder Ere the day is many hours older. The sacred bread they have exchanged, The bargain now is all arranged. They've found a maiden in noble dress, A princess true, you well may guess. Such a queen is in this affiance As with a general might make alliance. "Hail, and well done," the old man says, And now let's have no more delays. When the marriage, where the priest, What about the wedding feast? Who shall take the mother's place? How we'll miss my 'Stasia's face." The tears along his cheeks do fall, Yet a word does the Servant's heart appall

Hastily rushing from the room, In chamber near she falls in swoon. The house is silent, the light is dim, The sorrowing Servant thinks of him And whispers: "Mother, mother, mother."