Then the good maiden the youth in friendly fashion saluted, Saying:--"Already my walk to the fountain is fully rewarded, Since I have found the kind person who gave us so many good presents; For the sight of a giver, like that of a gift, is refreshing. Come and see for yourself the persons who tasted your kindness, And receive the tranquil thanks of all you have aided. But that you may know the reason why I have come here, Water to draw at a spot where the spring is both pure and unceasing, I must inform you that thoughtless men have disturb'd all the water Found in the village, by carelessly letting the horses and oxen Wade about in the spring which give the inhabitants water. In the same manner, with all their washing and cleaning they've dirtied All the troughs of the village, and all the fountains have sullied. For each one of them only thinks how quickly and soon he May supply his own wants, and cares not for those who come after." Thus she spoke, and soon she arrived at the foot of the broad steps With her companion, and both of them sat themselves down on the low wall Round the spring. She bent herself over, to draw out the water, He the other pitcher took up, and bent himself over, And in the blue of the heavens they saw their figures reflected, Waving, and nodding, and in the mirror their greetings exchanging. "Now let me drink," exclaim'd the youth in accents of gladness. And she gave him the pitcher. They then, like old friends, sat together, Leaning against the vessels, when she address'd him as follows "Say, why find I you here without your carriage and horses, Far from the place where first I saw you. Pray how came you hither?"