Page:Bohemian legends and other poems.djvu/69

“Mary! Mother of Mercy, hear,
And grant my prayer even here.”

The pictured face bowed low her head—
The maiden shrieked, and would have fled.

The lamp that had been burning dim
Went out. Was it the north-wind’s whim?

“Was it the wind—or can it be
Some evil token unto me?

“Hush! Did I hear a timid tap
Upon the window, rap, rap, rap.”

“Art thon asleep, or dost thou wake?
Up, my beloved! Up, for my sake.

“Up, my beloved, and look at me—
If you still know me, I would see.
And is thy hand and heart still free?”

“Oh! my beloved, and can it be!
See I was thinking just of thee.

“Praying indeed that we might meet,
That God might lead thy wandering feet.”

“Leave thy praying, and come with me—
Bah on thy praying—come with me!

“The moon is shining far and wide,
Come quick with me, come quick, my bride.”

“For God’s sake! Why, my love, ’tis night—
’Tis late wait only for the light.

“The wind howls, and the night is dark,
Wait till the dawn, and then we start.”

“Bah! Day is night and night is day—
I dream in the daytime—come away.