The Legacy

Had I not perceived so much of worth in her»
Of her beauty had not seen so much,
How could she have ever touched my heart so near?
Now my lot must evermore be such
As befalls the moon, that gets
From the shining sun its light;
So it ever chances,
In my heart her eyes' bright glances
Enter, when she steps before my sight.

When her bright eyes reach my heart and enter in,
I must needs lament for bitter pain.
Might one 'gainst oneself commit so great a sin,
Mine own self I surely should have slain,
When I took her in my heart
And was fain on her to gaze
(All too fain, I fear me!)
And, if any praised her near me,
Could not choose but add unto the praise.

I shall make my child heir to this sorrow sore
She hath brought me, and my grief of mind.
Tho' she fancy she'll be free, when I'm no more,
Yet one comfort I shall leave behind,—
That so fair my son shall wax
He'll do marvels past compare,
Vengeance for me taking,
And her hard heart wholly breaking,
When she sees him grown so wondrous fair.