Classic Poem

The bride sings to her lover:

" Thick were the leaves on the lofty tree —
Why came you not last night to me?

" I wonder! But, of course,
Maybe you had no horse,
Maybe you lost your way;
Your mother made you stay? "

Her lover replies:

" I had the horse and the way I knew,
And my mother kept me not from you.
" But my youngest sister loves you not. . . .

She hid my saddle — long I sought —

" My oldest sister, seeking, found,
Swift on my horse's back 'twas bound.

" She whispered, 'Try and get there soon,
Riding along by the light o' the moon.

" " In body brave keep a good head,
Brother o' mine!' she laughing said.

" " In Sweetheart Land there's much to learn,
The road has many a curve and turn.

" " Don't loose your horse, don't go astray;
Ride! Ere yet dawns your wedding day." "