So the gossips say—but can they know?
Three laughing maids are in the hollow,
Yet none will set him straight upon his way;
Nay! soft! for he hath found the path to follow—
He is coming! little heart, what will he say?
Then take it, for this magic stone hath power
To change thee to the fairest, yet to me
Thou wert fairest as I knew thee in that hour
When a youth came up from Freyden! Ah, take it, ’tis for thee!