Skipping, jumping, wild and wanton, danced[962] she o’er the fields away,
Tossing[963] to the sportive echoes many a bright and careless lay.
When the lads who boats were bailing heard the pretty Thora sing,
Joining hands, they ran to meet her,[964] throwing round[965] the maid a ring,
Now!” they cried, with boist’rous laughter; “now we’ve surely caught thee, Miss,
Thou canst only buy thy freedom if thou give us each a kiss.”
“Come and take it,[966] lads,” cried Thora; “here’s my mouth[967] and here my hand;[968]
Kiss, indeed! Why don’t you take it? Modest, sooth, is your demand!”
And when one stepped briskly forward, half emboldened by her speech,
With a slap[969] she sent him spinning, like a top upon the beach.