Matrona was plainly Confused by the question; "Once, only, he beat me," She said, very low. "And why?" asked the peasants. "Well, you know yourselves, friends, How quarrels arise 140 In the homes of the peasants. A young married sister Of Philip's one day Came to visit her parents. She found she had holes In her boots, and it vexed her. Then Philip said, 'Wife, Fetch some boots for my sister.' And I did not answer At once; I was lifting 150 A large wooden tub, So, of course, couldn't speak. But Philip was angry With me, and he waited Until I had hoisted The tub to the oven, Then struck me a blow With his fist, on my temple. "'We're glad that you came, But you see that you'd better 160 Keep out of the way,' Said the other young sister To her that was married. "Again Philip struck me! "'It's long since I've seen you, My dearly-loved daughter, But could I have known How the baggage would treat you!'... Whined Mother-in-law. "And again Philip struck me! 170 "Well, that is the story. 'Tis surely not fitting For wives to sit counting The blows of their husbands, But then I had promised To keep nothing back." "Ah, well, with these women-- The poisonous serpents!-- A corpse would awaken And snatch up a horsewhip," 180 The peasants say, smiling. Matrona said nothing. The peasants, in order To keep the occasion In manner befitting, Are filling the glasses; And now they are singing In voices of thunder A rollicking chorus, Of husbands' relations, 190 And wielding the knout. ... ... "Cruel hated husband, Hark! he is coming! Holding the knout...." _Chorus_ "Hear the lash whistle! See the blood spurt! Ai, leli, leli! See the blood spurt!" ... ... "Run to his father! Bowing before him-- 200 'Save me!' I beg him; 'Stop my fierce husband-- Venomous serpent!' Father-in-law says, 'Beat her more soundly! Draw the blood freely!'" _Chorus_ "Hear the lash whistle! See the blood spurt! Ai, leli, leli! See the blood spurt!" 210 ... ... "Quick--to his mother! Bowing before her-- 'Save me!' I beg her; 'Stop my cruel husband! Venomous serpent!' Mother-in-law says, 'Beat her more soundly, Draw the blood freely!'" _Chorus_ "Hear the lash whistle! See the blood spurt! 220 Ai, leli, leli! See the blood spurt!" * * * * *