Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/204

174 Little recked the brother of her bidding, Fixed to wed her to Imoski's cadi. But the gentle lady still entreats him— Send at least a letter, O my brother! To Imoski's cadi, thus imploring— "I, the youthful widow, greet thee fairly, And entreat thee by this self-same token, When thou comest hither with thy bridesmen, Bring a heavy veil, that I may shroud me As we pass along by Asan's dwelling, So I may not see my darling orphans."

Scarcely had the cadi read the letter, When he called together all his bridesmen; Bound to bring the lady homewards, And he brought the veil as she entreated.

Jocundly they reached the princely mansion, Jocundly they bore her thence in triumph; But, when they drew near to Asan's dwelling, Then the children recognised their mother, And they cried, "Come back unto the chamber— Share the meal this evening with thy children!" Then she turned her to the lordly bridegroom— "Pray thee, let the bridesmen and their horses Halt a little by the once-loved dwelling, Till I give these presents to my children."

And they halted by the once-loved dwelling, And she gave the weeping children presents, Gave each boy a cap with gold embroidered, Gave each girl a gay and costly garment, And with tears she left a tiny mantle For the helpless baby in the cradle.

These things marked the father, Asan Aga, And in sorrow called he to his children—