For the good-wife, mildly grumbling at the idle spinning-wheel,
Rose at length and trudged[989] sedately, anxious for the daughter’s weal,
Over sand, and stone, and tangle, where the frightened plovers flew[990]
Screaming seaward, and majestic skyward[991] soared the silent mew.
And ’twas she who with amazement heard the soft, mysterious sound;
And ’tis said she shook and tottered, almost fainting on the ground.
Scarce her reason she recovered, if the wild reports be true,
For she saw a queer-shaped figure,[992] which proved later to be two.
“Daughter,” said she, not ungently, “I have sought thee in alarm,
Fearing, in the treacherous moonlight, thou perchance hadst come to harm;