[Comes down nearer to the river.
Why should I stand
Their taunts and blame?
Why endure their scorn?
Did they return
To the bank again,
The ring gladly I'd give them.
"Though gaily ye may laugh,
In grief ye shall be left,
For, mocking maids, this ring
Ye ask shall never be yours"
See p. 162
[Calling loudly.
Hey, hey! ye merry
Water-maidens,
Come back; the ring shall be yours.