'Why here the hemlock, &c. [_sic in MS._] 'Why these three graves all side by side, Beneath the flow'ry thorn, 15 Stretch out so green and dark a length, By any foot unworn.' There, there a ruthless mother lies Beneath the flowery thorn; And there a barren wife is laid, 20 And there a maid forlorn. The barren wife and maid forlorn Did love each other dear; The ruthless mother wrought the woe, And cost them many a tear. 25 Fair Ellen was of serious mind, Her temper mild and even, And Mary, graceful as the fir That points the spire to heaven. Young Edward he to Mary said, 30 'I would you were my bride,' And she was scarlet as he spoke, And turned her face to hide. 'You know my mother she is rich, And you have little gear; 35 And go and if she say not Nay, Then I will be your fere.' Young Edward to the mother went. To him the mother said: 'In truth you are a comely man; 40 You shall my daughter wed.' [271:1][In Mary's joy fair Eleanor Did bear a sister's part; For why, though not akin in blood, They sisters were in heart.] 45 Small need to tell to any man That ever shed a tear What passed within the lover's heart The happy day so near. The mother, more than mothers use, 50 Rejoiced when they were by; And all the 'course of wooing' passed[271:2] Beneath the mother's eye. And here within the flowering thorn How deep they drank of joy: 55 The mother fed upon the sight, Nor . . . [_sic in MS._] [PART II--FROM MS.][271:3] And now the wedding day was fix'd, The wedding-ring was bought; The wedding-cake with her own hand 60 The ruthless mother brought. 'And when to-morrow's sun shines forth The maid shall be a bride'; Thus Edward to the mother spake While she sate by his side. 65 Alone they sate within the bower: The mother's colour fled, For Mary's foot was heard above-- She decked the bridal bed. And when her foot was on the stairs 70 To meet her at the door, With steady step the mother rose, And silent left the bower. She stood, her back against the door, And when her child drew near-- 75 'Away! away!' the mother cried, 'Ye shall not enter here. 'Would ye come here, ye maiden vile, And rob me of my mate?' And on her child the mother scowled 80 A deadly leer of hate.