The Obstacle

Rime and frozen dew
Have gripped the heath completely;
Its bright colours gay
Drear and sad are grown.
The birds' carols, too,
(They sang for joy full sweetly)
All are hushed to-day.
And the wood I bemoan,—
Stripped of everything!
Yet cause of grief still richer
She to me doth bring
Who carries in her pitcher
Water from the spring; all my thoughts she doth subdue.

Her jug I chanced to break,
Just as the spring she quitted.
'Twas a glad surprise
My dear love to see.
No reproach she spake.
And off my cares all flitted!
Then in loving wise
My sweetheart said to me:—
"'Tis your doing, sure,
That such sore trouble meets me.
Much I must endure,
So ill my mistress treats me.
Five times yesterday I was beaten for your sake!"

"I will set you free,
If only you'll obey me.
Fly with me and leave her!
Then none can use you ill."—
"No, that cannot be!
I'd sooner have you slay me!
I should lose for ever
My mistress's good will.
A shilling and a smock
She owes me for wages;
I have taken stock.
I'd not see them for ages!
Let me once get them then you'll get your wish from mel"