child.

o lady, lay your costly robes aside,

no longer may you glory in your pride.

115

mother.

wherefore to-day art singing in mine ear

sad songs, were made so long ago, my dear?

this day i am to be a bride, you know,

why sing sad songs, were made so long ago?

child.

o mother, lay your costly robes aside,

for you may never be another’s bride.

that line i learn’d not in the old sad song.

mother.

i pray thee, pretty one, now hold thy tongue,

play with the bride-maids, and be glad, my boy,

for thou shalt be a second father’s joy.

child.

one father fondled me upon his knee,

one father is enough, alone, for me.