Some shrieking fled, some swooned in fright;

The bravest hearts were now unmanned

In hapless Broek-in-Waterland!

The bride, who had betrayed no joy,

Yet seemed in truth more sad than coy,

Looked quickly round, with dauntless brow,

And cried: “Come death or freedom now!”

Strange words were these! but marked by none,

For even the lover now had flown,

And I, alone, for her had planned