The Faithful Wife[ToC]
It was a banished chieftain
Returned from oversea,
And he saw his wife and children
Come smiling o'er the lea.
The moon had wrapped them in her beams,
The wind was in their hair,
Their feet that trod the wild bluebell
Were light as wings on air.
'O have you come to meet me, wife,
As you once did swear to do?
Full seven years have I been gone,
And was your word so true?'
He took her by the white cool hand
[54] Where the golden rings shone gay;
He took her youngest on his arm
And joyful led the way.
'O fair are ye, my father's towers,
And sweet my garden dear:
God grant I never leave you more
Till Death o'ertake me here!'
The lights were burning in the hall,
As they sat them down to meat;
The pipers piped a merry tune
The while their lord did eat.