Love’s deeds are wild—his power divine! The maiden’s eye had glanced to mine! I heard her speak of thanks to me, My heart was moved and yet was free; But parting told, and told too late, That love had mingled with my fate; And now another claimed her hand And heart, in Broek-in-Waterland! Grown sick at heart, I turned to go, Lest men might see and mock my wo; But one cried out: “Oh stir not forth, A storm has risen in the north!” I looked, the sky, of late so blue, Was hung in clouds of darkest hue; An ocean-storm had reached our strand, And burst on Broek-in-Waterland! I turned, and heard the maidens shout: “What reck we for the storm without, For joy is mistress here within— Again! again! the dance begin!” The waltzers float around the floor— But stay! what means that dreadful roar, Those shouts of grief or stern command, In peaceful Broek-in-Waterland? Alas! the troth too soon was known, The northern dykes were overthrown; And far and wide the vengeful waves Their victims swept to markless graves! How changed this scene of wild delight! Some shrieking fled, some swooned in fright; The bravest hearts were now unmanned In hapless Broek-in-Waterland! The bride, who had betrayed no joy, Yet seemed in truth more sad than coy, Looked quickly round, with dauntless brow, And cried: “Come death or freedom now!” Strange words were these! but marked by none, For even the lover now had flown, And I, alone, for her had planned Escape from Broek-in-Waterland. Thus far, it seemed she knew me not; I turned to draw her from the spot; But long before I reached her side, She saw—she knew me! and she cried: “The guardian of my life restored! My own, though seeming lost! adored! With thee I dare all storms withstand, Come! fly from Broek-in-Waterland!” Around my neck her arms were prest, She laid her cheek upon my breast, Then, yielding, swooned, as if no harm Could pass the shelter of my arm! An age of thought swept through my brain, And joy that rose to fearful pain: “All mad!” I shrieked, “some demon’s wand Is held o’er Broek-in-Waterland!” ’Twas but a moment! then I knew A chance with every moment flew; For as I bear her through the street The waves come dashing round my feet. My schuyt floats on the deepening tide; By struggling long I reach her side. With oar and sail at my command, We’re saved from Broek-in-Waterland! An hour has past—in Wester Dock The maid recovers from the shock; But, danger past, deep blushes rise, Hot tears of shame start from her eyes; She feels that fear hath made her bold, That all her secret love is told For one who, calmly, saw her stand Betrothed in Broek-in-Waterland!