XX.

Nuleeni looked in wonder, Yet softly answered she-- "By loves that last when lights are past, I vowed that vow to thee: But why glads it thee that a bride-day be By a word of _woe_ defiled? That a word of _wrong_ take the cradle-song From the ear of a sinless child?" "Why?" Luti said, and her laugh was dread, And her eyes dilated wild-- "That the fair new love may her bridegroom prove, And the father shame the child!" The river floweth on.