You my clothes must carry, there on the sands to bleach.

You must for me and my maidens be washing and be drying;

And that no one find you idle, your work with care you ever must be plying.”

[1055]

Then spake the high-born maiden: “Wife of a mighty king,

If they will only teach me the way to wash and wring,

And how to cleanse your clothing, to do it I am willing.

Bliss no more I look for; still greater woe my heart must yet be filling.

[1056]

“Bid them now to teach me, and I will gladly learn;