RIPPLING WATER 



The maiden sat by the river side, 



(The rippling water murmurs by), 

 And sadly into the clear blue tide 



The salt tear fell from her clear blue eye. 

 ** 'Tis fixed for better, for worse," she cried, 

 ** And to-morrow the bridegroom claims the 



bride. 

 Oh ! wealth and power and rank and pride 



Can surely peace and happiness buy. 

 I was merry, nathless, in my girlhood's hours, 



'Mid the waving grass, when the bright sun 

 shone. 

 Shall I be as merry in Marmaduke's towers ? " 



(The rippling water murmurs on.) 



Stephen works for his daily bread. 



(The rippling water murmurs low.) 



Through the crazy thatch that covers his 



head 



The rain-drops fall and the wind-gusts blow. 



" I'll mend the old roof-tree," so he said, 



'* And repair the cottage when we are wed," 



And my pulses throbb'd, and my cheek grew 



red, 



When he kiss't me — that was long ago. 



69 



