Page:Mistral - Mirèio. A Provençal poem.djvu/81

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But now Mirèio, to the room returning,
With face as radiant as an Easter morning,
A flagon bore; and, for their spirits' sake,
Besought them all her beverage to partake:
"For this will make us work with heartier will;
So come, good women, and your goblets fill!"

Then, pouring from the wicker-covered flask
A generous drink for whosoe'er might ask,
(A string of gold the falling liquor made),
"I mixed this cordial mine own self" she said:
"One leaves it in a window forty days,
That it may mellow in the sun's hot rays.

"Herein are mountain herbs, in number three.
The liquor keeps their odor perfectly:
It strengthens one." Here brake in other voices:
"Listen, Mirèio! Tell us what your choice is;
For these have told what they would do, if they
Were queens, or came to great estate one day.

"In such a case, Mirèio, what would you?"
"Who, I? How can I tell what I would do?
I am so happy in our own La Crau
With my dear parents, wherefore should I go?"
"Ah, ha!" outspake another maiden bold:
"Little care you for silver or for gold.