She jumped to her feet, her heart beating wild,
The other one knelt on the ice.
“God give, Mary dear, you also behold,
Your happiness down in the ice.”
Oh, I see, I see, but all is gloomy,
Shrouded in some darkness dreary,
Faint red lights, from out the darkness,
Light the church’s altar dreary.
“Something dark amidst white dresses fluttering—
Now the mist is growing clear, I see—
[1]Bridesmaids, but, oh God, they follow something;
Cross and coffin all I see!”
PART FOURTH.
Summer winds are softly blowing,
On the scented new-mown hay.
Fields and garden full of flowers,
Promising a harvest day.
From the church one heard the singing,
And the wedding music ringing,
As they led the happy pair.
Stately bridegroom, tall and stalwart,
Walking midst the wedding guests.
Green the coat upon his shoulders,
And his hat on one side rests.
As she saw him in the midnight,
Now she sees him in the daylight,
As he leads her to his home.
Summer’s past. Cold winds are blowing
O’er the dreary harvest fields.
Bells are tolling as they carry
One who now no longer feels.
- ↑ In Bohemia when a young girl or lad dies, they are followed to their grave by bridesmaids or grooms; the richer the dead the larger the number; the girls wear wreaths of myrtle and are dressed in white.
