Beauty's maiden thus invoked the Heavens: "Send me down a whirlwind! let it scatter Yonder stony tower—its halls lay open! Let me look on Gerčić Manoilo. If the otter on his knee is playing— If the falcon sits upon his shoulder— If the rose is blooming on his kalpak."[[7]] What she pray'd for speedily was granted: And a storm-wind came across the ocean; And the stony tower fell down before it: And she look'd on Gerčić Manoilo: Saw the otter on his knees disporting: Saw the falcon sitting on his shoulder: Saw the rose upon his kalpak blooming. S. J. B.
VII
KISSES
What's the time of night, my dear? For my maiden said, "I'll come"— Said "I'll come,"—but is not here: And 'tis now the midnight's gloom. Lone and silent home I turn'd; But upon the bridge I met her— Kiss'd her: How my hot lips burned!— How forget it—how forget her! In one kiss full ten I drew: And upon my lips there grew, From that hour, a honey-dew, As if sugar were my meat, And my drink metheglin sweet. S. J. B.
VIII
HARVEST SONG
Lord and master! let us homewards, let us homewards haste: Far, far distant are our dwellings—far across the waste.[[8]] Some have aged mothers threat'ning—"Ne'er allow another:" Some male-children[[9]] in the cradle, crying for their mother; Some impatient lovers chiding;—dearer they than brother. S. J. B.
IX
CURSE
The maiden cursed her raven eyes, She cursed them for their treacheries. "Be blinded now, to you if heaven All that is visible has given! If ye see all, ye traitors, say Why saw ye not my love to-day:— He pass'd my door,—but, truants, ye Gave not the gentlest hint to me. He had a nosegay in his hand,— He wore a gold embroider'd band.[[10]] 'Twas made by other hands than mine! Upon it wreathing branches twine: May every branch embroidered there, A miserable heart-wound bear;— Upon each branch, may every leaf Bring and betoken toil and grief."