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But lo! a numerous cavalcade ascends
The mountain—'tis the Swater cavalcade,
Led by the Družba[1]—surely he intends
Advancing—no! they stop—the astonish'd maid
Cries—"Mother! tell me—what may this betoken?
These rapid-scouring knights—my thoughts are broken;
My dreams are come again—O mother mine!
These strange—these dazzling mysteries divine."
"Fair maid, Božena! we salute thee well"—
"Sire! God be with ye"—"Božena, we come
From our most noble prince, his love to tell,
And to escort thee to hi palace home.
Here take the ring from off his princely finger—
Prepare thee, for we may no instant linger:
Come to that palace, where the village maid
Will wear the princely coronet on her head."
- ↑ Družba—(Paranymphus) the leader of the marriage attendants or Swater.
