Peer.
They reel when my mother by chance falls a-scolding.
The Green-clad One.
My father can kick e'en the loftiest roof-tree.[1]
Peer.
My mother can ride through the rapidest river.
The Green-clad One.
Have you other garments besides those rags?
Peer.
Ho, you should just see my Sunday clothes!
The Green-clad One.
My week-day gown is of gold and silk.
Peer.
It looks to me liker tow and straws.
The Green-clad One.
Ay, there is one thing you must remember:—
This is the Rondë-folk's use and wont:
All our possessions have two-fold form.
When shall you come to my father's hall,
It well may chance that you're on the point
Of thinking you stand in a dismal moraine.
Peer.
Well now, with us its precisely the same.
Our gold will seem to you litter and trash!
And you'll think, mayhap, every glittering pane
Is nought but a bunch of old stockings and clouts.
- ↑ Kicking the rafters is a much-admired exploit in peasant
dancing. See note, page 30.
