Page:The Story and Song of Black Roderick.djvu/86

78 with a loud cry of joy. She knew the evil one could but grant the promise she had extorted, for she had served him well.

And of the further trials and temptations that came to her shall I sing thee, lest thou grow weary of my prose:

Seven long years did she serve him well Until the last day was done; And all the souls she had let in, They clung to her one by one.

And all the souls she had let through, They clung to her dress and hair, Until the burden that she brought forth Was heavy as she could bear.

The first who stopped upon her way Was a Saint all fair to see, And ‘Sister, your load is great,’ she said, ‘So give it, I pray, to me.’

‘Brigit I am; God sent me forth That you to your love might go,’— The woman she drew the fair robe aside, And a cloven hoof did show.