Pledges

From Vuk’s Collection

THE WIND was with the roses playing;

To Ranko’s tent it blew their leaves.

Militza, Ranko, there were staying,

And Ranko writes, Militza weaves.

His letter done, he drops his pen;

Her finished web she throws aside.

All anxiously doth Ranko then

Interrogate his promised bride:

“Militza, tell me truly, now,

Say, dost thou love me—love me best?

Or heavy is thy nuptial vow?”

The maiden thus the youth addressed:

“Believe me, thou my heart, my soul,

That thou art dearer far to me,

Far dearer, Ranko, than the whole

Of brothers, many though they be,

And that the vows we pledged together

Are lighter than the lightest feather.”