POLONIUS AND THE BALLAD SINGERS 'A GAUNT-BUILT woman and her son-in-law, A broad-faced fellow, with such flesh as shows Sing, my good woman, sing us some romance -I'll sing the song, sir To-night you see my face- On the one that for you left his friends and kin; Of the lord that rules these lands On a ship I'll be borne from Cruckaunfinn! Polonius and the Ballad Singers O you know your beauty bright More than from any fair one he will gain; Strains and strives around you till As the hawk upon his hand you are as tame! Then she to him replied: And I'll let you have the pleasure of my charms, And whatever may betide It's we will lie in one another's arms!" You should not sing With body doubled up and face aside 4I There is a climax here-" It's we will lie-" Hem-passionate!—And what does your daughter sing? -A song I like when I do climb bare hills'Tis all about a hawk, No bird that sits on rock or bough No King that has made war his trade I know thee rock-like on the rock I climb, but thou dost climb with wings, She said, 'And like a wish escape! No maid that kissed his bonny mouth Such pride was in our Chieftain's eyes But since they made him fly the rocks, She said, If then to tear my breast! The songs they have Are the last relics of the feudal world! -A song my father had, sir. It was sent him And sing it all roads. He did that, in troth, The house I was bred in-ah, does it remain? Does a child there give heed to the song of the lark, Polonius and the Ballad Singers 43 The sloe-bush, I know, grows close to the well, But there's silence on all. Then do none ever pass On the way to the fair or the pattern or mass? Do the grey-coated lads drive the ball through the grass O youths of my Land! Then will no Bolivar The swan and the swallow, the cuckoo and crake A little silver in a little purse! Take it and spend it on your journey, Friends. We will. And may we meet your Honor's like A song is more lasting than the voice of the birds! A word is more lasting than the riches of the world! |