To drive away her fears and grief,

To peace bring back her unhinged mind;

But all in vain. For two whole days,

Now weeping sad, now choked with sobs,

She neither spake, nor eat, nor drank,

But pale and sleepless, like a ghost

Compelled to walk, sne knew no rest.

The third morn they went to seek her,

But found her chamber bare and lone.

None knew, or when, or how, Marie

Had fled. That night, a fisher said,

He heard the tramp of swiftest steeds,

The Cossack speech, and woman's voice:

Next morn the marks of eight horse-hoofs

Were traced along the dew-wet mead.

'Tis not alone the first soft down,

The curling, wavy locks of youth.

But oft the look serene of age,

The deep-streaked brow, and snowy hairs.

That win a maiden's fancy free.

And light her soul with dreams of love.

Too soon the hateful tale of shame

Assailed the ear of Kotzubei:

She had forgot disgrace and fame,

To wanton in a wretch's arms!

Nor he nor wife dared comprehend

The whispered hints of common talk.

Ere long the story was confirmed,

Made true n all its vilest shame.

Only then was bared the secret

That long had stained the maiden's soul:

Only then they learned and understood

Why wilfully she had rebelled

Against the curb of married life,