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ORFEO AND ETAIN 12
xliv
And though Etain appeared to him entranced
Just so he sang to her, till on each cheek
He saw the trails of tears as they advanced.
The Queen was crying too. She couldn't speak
But mid her tears she sobbed, then gave a shriek!
The King cried out, "She's worse. It's all your fault!
Dogs tear him limb from limb!" His knees went weak
When growling greyhounds started to assault
His hands. Their jaws snapped loud. But then the Queen screamed, "Halt!"
xlv
"Just who are you to tell me how I feel?
These tears I will not hide. But, King, you're wrong
If you've assumed that I am sad.
I steal whatever joy I can and I grow strong
In my captivity. It won't be long
Before I leave. Perhaps I won't return.
This beggar wins his wish. I liked his song.
It spoke to me of faithful love. I yearn
To see my mother still. My joy is my concern."
xlvi
"You thwart me every time, you lying bitch!"
The Faerie King replied. "Can no one see
How cold and cruel you are. You cur! You witch!
The constant mother-love appears to me
Unnatural, perverse. How can it be?
I give you pleasures, honor, wealth, but oh
My bed you still deny. Man, pity me!
Be gone!" She cried, "His wish I want to know!"
He lied, "I keep my promise. Beggar, wish then go!"
xlvii
But Orfeo did not know what to say.
He doubted, if he asked him for Etain,
If both of them could safely get away.
And yet another thought made him refrain
From his request. He wondered what he'd gain
If she refused to leave. Though he could see
Her sorrow, he recalled, when she had lain
Beneath the tree, his fit of jealousy.
To choose to stay or go he felt she should be free.
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Category: Mythology and Folklore / Heroes & Heroines
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