Untimely Unions

The leaves of the gourd are yet sour to the taste,
And the way through the ford is deep" (quoth she).
— " Deep be it, our garments we'll raise to the waist,
Or shallow, then up to the knee " (quoth he).

"But the ford is full, and the waters rise.
Hark! a pheasant there, in alarm she cries."
— " Nay, the ford when full would no axle wet;
And the pheasant but cackles to fetch her mate."

"More sweet were the wildgoose' cries to hear,
"When the earliest streaks of the dawn appear;
And that is how men should seek their brides, —
(In the early spring) ere the ice divides.!

The ferryman beckons and points to his boat: —
Let others cross over, I shall not.
The others may cross, but I say nay.
For a (true) companion here I stay."