Hangs ripe upon the bending bough:

Thus dainty meats the palate please,

And lure the weak to swift disease.

Now on my soul return with dread

The words that noble hermit said,

That I for a dear son should grieve,

And of the woe my life should leave.”

Thus spake the king with many a tear;

Then to his wife he cried in fear:

“I cannot see thee, love; but lay