Has your 'Pa' been unkind? (since no 'Ma' you have got),

Or a lover appeared when you'd rather he'd not?

Are you ill, or unhappy, or is't for a freak

That your godmother's presence you suddenly seek?"

Ophelia listened with respectful attention whilst the old woman uttered these words, and then replied in a low, sweet voice:—

"Did I not deem the crisis grave

I had not called thee from thy wave:

And if in doing so I err,

Forgive me, gracious godmother!

My father knows thee not, great dame;