******
For three long years she watched in vain, in dole and misery,
To see her foster brother's sail spring up from over sea;
For three long years she watched in vain, hoping each day would send
The only heart which beat to hers, her lover and her friend.
"Go, get you gone and tend the kine," the cruel step-dame said;
"Leave brooding over long-past years: go, earn your daily bread."
She woke her, ere the darkling dawns, while yet 'twas dead of night,
To sweep the floors and cleanse the house, and set the fires alight;
To fetch the water from the brook, again and yet again,
With heavy toil and panting breath, and young form bent in twain.
******
One darkling winter morning, before the dawning light,
With ringing hoofs, across the brook there rode a noble knight:
"Good morrow, gracious maiden, and art thou free to wed?"
And she, so young she was and meek, "I know not, sir," she said.
"I prithee tell me, maiden, if thou art fancy-free?"
"To none, sir, have I plighted yet my maiden troth," said she.