Two solitary sisters, who A brother's fondness never knew, Agreed, poor girls, with one another, That they would make themselves a brother: They cut them silk, as snow-drops white; And silk, as richest rubies bright; They carved his body from a bough Of box-tree from the mountain's brow; Two jewels dark for eyes they gave; For eyebrows, from the ocean's wave They took two leeches; and for teeth Fix'd pearls above, and pearls beneath; For food they gave him honey sweet, And said, "Now live, and speak, and eat." S. J. B.
LXV
MISFORTUNES
On the hill, the fir-tree hill, Grows a tall fir-tree: There a maiden, calm and still, Sits delightedly. To a youthful swain she pledges Vows: "O come to me: Lightly spring across the hedges: Come—but slightly. Come at eve—lest harm betide thee. If any home thou seek, In our quiet dwelling hide thee; Not a whisper speak." And he o'er the hedges sprung, Lo! a twig he tore: When the house-door ope he flung, Noisy was the door. When he enter'd in, there fell Shelves upon the floor, 'Twas the broken china's knell— O the luckless hour! Then her mother comes afeard, Trips and cuts her knee; And her father burns his beard In perplexity. And the youth must quench the fire, And the maiden must retire. S. J. B.
LXVI
TIMIDITY
Lo! upon the mountain green Stands a fir-tree tall and thin— 'Tis no fir-tree—none at all— 'Tis a maiden thin and tall. Three long years the enamour'd one Fed upon her eyes alone; On the fourth, he sought the bliss Of the maiden's primal kiss "Why, thou witching maid! repel me— Why with foot of scorn dost tread, On my feet, my boots of red! Why despise me, maiden! tell me."
"No, my friend, I will not tread On thy feet, thy boots of red! Come at evening—come and string Pearls for me—and thou shalt fling O'er me my embroider'd shawl. We will go at morning's call To the kolo—Friend! but thou Must not touch the maiden now—
Know'st thou not that busy slander Follows us wher'er we wander? Evil tongues are ever talking; Calumny abroad is walking Know'st thou that a simple kiss Ample food for slander is? 'Never did we kiss,' you'll say, 'Till last evening and to-day.' Come at evening—come, my dear. Sisters' eyes will watch thee here." S. J. B.