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Show 66 TrrE SwiFTNESS "Look there, my bride 1 Love's pledge for thee, Oh, wear it on thy hand for me." The maiden then sweet vows took, "My Bridegroom dear!" to Christ she spoke, " llerewith art thou firm wed to me, Henceforth my heart loves none but thee." Then walked abroad the married pair, And gathered many a blossom fair ;Jesus thus spake to her anew:- " Come, and my lovely garden view !" He took the maiden by the hand, And led her from her fatherland, Unto his Father's garden fair Where many beauteous blossoms are. The maiden now with joy may win The precious fruits which grow therein ; But mortal fancy cannot know The noble fruits therein which grow. She hears such music and such song, That length of time seems nothing long, oF TIME IN Gon. And silver·white the broolqcts there Flow ever on so pure and fair. 'l'he youth again addressed the maid, " My garden here thou bast surveyed. I will again conduct thee home. To thine own land, the time is come." r:rhe maiden turns with grief away, Comes to tl1e town without delay, 67 rl1hc watchman cal1s, "Stand, who goes there?" She says, "I to my father mu.st repair!" 11 Who is your father, then/' quoth he, "The general,)) she answers free. 'l'he watchman then replied and smiled, '' 'l'hc general ;-he has no child." But by her garments all men see, The maiden is of high degree. The watchman then conducts her straight Before the guardians of the State. The maid declares and stands thereto, The general is her father true. |
