Ranolf and Amohia A dream of two lives. By Alfred Domett. New edition, revised |
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 | Ranolf and Amohia |  |
V.
But Amo recognized the words at once,And knew the song of course; and at request
Of Ranolf, with an accent that expressed
Compassion mixed with somewhat of disdain,
Recited in sweet tones the childish strain,
Whose meaning this loose version may explain:
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“Alas, and well-a-day! they are talking of me still:By the tingling of my nostril, I fear they are talking ill;
Poor hapless I—poor little I—so many mouths to fill—
And all for this strange feeling, O this sad sweet pain!
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O senseless heart—O simple! to yearn so and to pineFor one so far above me, confest o'er all to shine—
For one a hundred dote upon, who never can be mine!
O 'tis a foolish feeling—all this fond sweet pain!
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3
When I was quite a child—not so many moons ago—A happy little maiden—O then it was not so;
Like a sunny-dancing wavelet then I sparkled to and fro;
And I never had this feeling, O this sad sweet pain!
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I think it must be owing to the idle life I leadIn the dreamy house for ever that this new bosom-weed
Has sprouted up and spread its shoots till it troubles me indeed
With a restless weary feeling—such a sad sweet pain!
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So in this pleasant islet, O no longer will I stay—And the shadowy summer-dwelling, I will leave this very day;
On Arapá I'll launch my skiff and soon be borne away
From all that feeds this feeling, O this fond sweet pain!
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I'll go and see dear Rima—she'll welcome me I know,And a flaxen cloak—her gayest—o'er my weary shoulders throw,
With purfle red and points so free—O quite a lovely show—
To charm away this feeling—O this sad sweet pain!
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Two feathers I will borrow, and so gracefully I'll wear,Two feathers soft and snowy for my long black lustrous hair;
Of the Albatross's down they'll be—O how charming they'll look there—
All to chase away this feeling—O this fond sweet pain!
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8
Then the lads will flock around me with flattering talk all day—And with anxious little pinches sly hints of love convey;
And I shall blush with happy pride to hear them . . . I daresay . . .
And quite forget this feeling, O this sad sweet pain!”
| Ranolf and Amohia | |