156
RENA
III.
Slowly Rena raised the cushion, with her sweet eyes shining clear,
Lightly tossed the fairy bobbins, half in gladness, half in fear.
Lightly tossed the fairy bobbins, half in gladness, half in fear.
Ah! not vain had been her watching as the lovely lady wrought;
All the magic of her fingers her own cunning hand had caught!
All the magic of her fingers her own cunning hand had caught!
Many a day above the cushion Rena's peerless head was bent,
And through many a solemn night she labored on with sweet intent.
And through many a solemn night she labored on with sweet intent.
For, mayhap, the mystic marvels that she wove might bring her gold-
A fair dowry fit to match the pride of Hildebrand the Bold!
A fair dowry fit to match the pride of Hildebrand the Bold!
Then she braided up her long hair, and put on her russet gown,
And with wicker basket laden passed she swiftly through the town,
And with wicker basket laden passed she swiftly through the town,
To the palace where Queen Ildegar, with dames of high degree,
In a lofty oriel window sat, the beauteous morn to see.
In a lofty oriel window sat, the beauteous morn to see.
In the door-way she stood meekly, till the queen said, "Maiden fair,
What have you in yonder basket that you carry with such care?"
What have you in yonder basket that you carry with such care?"
