SONG OF DEPARTURE: A BRIDE OF BUKOVINA

Dear my mother, weep not!

I shall not take all;

See, the cows and oxen

Leave I in the stall.

I take just black eyebrows,

Only eyes of blue;

And upon your table—

Tears I leave for you.

And the little pathway

Where my footsteps fell

While I brought you water

Daily from the well.

The Mother speaks—

Pathway, little garden—

(Ah, she must depart!)

When I gaze upon you

Faints my breaking heart.

(Przemysl District)

“Unbraid her dusky hair

And place a garland there.”

The Duchess Marusenka

To the city Horodenka

Trips with her small white feet.

She cuts barwēnok there

To wreathe her dusky hair.

Her mother comes, pursuing,

“My child, what art thou doing?”

“Dear mother, can it be

Thou hast no need for me?

“Thou wilt not let me stay

But strive to force away.

“To give away thy daughter

To him who now has sought her?

“Still very young am I,

Not very wise. Then why ...”

“I force and give away

What I would not have stay.

“No longer I’m inclined

For thee upon my mind!

“Strangers for thee inquire;

I yield to their desire.”