XI.

"Three times shall a young foot-page Swim the stream and climb the mountain And kneel down beside my feet-- 'Lo, my master sends this gage, Lady, for thy pity's counting! What wilt thou exchange for it?'

"And the first time I will send A white rosebud for a guerdon, And the second time, a glove; But the third time--I may bend From my pride, and answer--'Pardon If he comes to take my love.'

"Then the young foot-page will run, Then my lover will ride faster, Till he kneeleth at my knee: 'I am a duke's eldest son, Thousand serfs do call me master, But, O Love, I love but _thee_!'

"He will kiss me on the mouth Then, and lead me as a lover Through the crowds that praise his deeds; And, when soul-tied by one troth, Unto _him_ I will discover That swan's nest among the reeds."

Little Ellie, with her smile Not yet ended, rose up gaily, Tied the bonnet, donned the shoe, And went homeward, round a mile, Just to see, as she did daily, What more eggs were with the two.