A DAMSEL OUTWITS MARKO
There was a poor maid that was an orphan,
When she dined then she supped not,
If she dined and supped
Then she had no clothing.
Yet for all that good fortune came to her[1],
Kraljević Marko sought her in marriage,
Vojvoda Janko urged a rival suit,
Pavle Ustupčić gave her a ring.
And the three suitors arose,
Each with a thousand wedding-guests with him,10
And came right so to the damsel's dwelling.
Marko came first, and behind Marko, Janko,
And behind Janko, Pavle Ustupčić.
Kraljević Marko looked behind him,
And spake to the Vojvoda Janko:
"Whither goest thou, Janko?
Wherefore hast thou troubled so many guests,
And wearied so many horses,
Since that the maid is not for thee,
But for me, Kraljević Marko?" 20
Janko held his peace and said nothing.
But he turned him to Pavle Ustupčić
And spake to him (softly)[2], saying:
"Whither goest thou, Pavle?
Wherefore hast thou troubled so many guests,
And wearied so many horses?
Not for me the maiden, nor yet for thee,
But for the falcon, Marko Kraljević."
Pavle held his peace, he said nothing,
- ↑ The phrase "good fortune" when used with reference to a girl commonly signifies an offer of marriage.
- ↑ тихо or, as here, тијо = lit. "softly." In the epic ballads, however, the word connotes no idea of a lowering of the voice, but indicates an ordinary speaking tone as distinguished from shouting. It should be omitted in translating.
