THE WATER KING'S BRIDE.

Light o'er the water the sun's ray glanc'd,

While the youths and maidens of Tubingen danc'd.

A stranger youth of noble mien,

Proffered his hand to the village queen.

"Youth, say why is thine hand so white?

The water knows not the daybeams light;

Youth, oh why is so cold thine arm,

Can it in Neckar's flood be warm?"

He led her away from the lime-tree's shade;

"Return my daughter," her mother said.

He led her on to the stream so clear,

"Oh youth let me go, for I tremble with fear."

He danc'd till they reach'd the Neckar's bank,

One shriek, one plunge, in the wave they sank.

"Farewell, farewell, to thee, Tubingen's pride,

Maiden, thou art the Water King's Bride."