“I loved him well in days gone by.”
She answered: “But your friend in youth,
In manhood left the paths of truth.
For wealth, how steeped his soul in sin!
How basely sought my hand to win!
And vainly hoped to see me stand
His bride in Broek-in-Waterland!”
“Why vainly hoped?” I quickly cried.
“I scorned their power,” the maid replied—
“I loved”—she paused—I knew the rest,