commands, blows where it chooses. Thou hast formerly protected this tree against the violence of man; but can you prevent the storm from despoiling it of its leaves? or when a hidden worm gnaws in its marrow, can you take it out and crush it.”
Thus conversing, the loving pair arrived at their palace. The slender young ladies came jumping joyfully to meet their mother, as was their wont; they gave an account of their day’s work, and brought their embroidery and needlework as a proof of their skilful application. But this time the hour of domestic bliss was joyless. They soon perceived that in the face of their father traces of deep sorrow were engraved, and it was with sympathizing grief that they saw their mother’s tears, without venturing to ask for the cause. The mother gave them much good advice and exhortation, but her speech resembled the song of the swan, as if she wished to give her blessing to the world. She remained with her beloved till the morning star appeared in the heavens; then she embraced her husband and children with melancholy tenderness, and returned with the dawn by the secret little gate to her tree, leaving her beloved ones to oppressive forebodings.
