She felt it was their fathers' act,
In which he had no part,
Though they may give the hand away,
They cannot give the heart.
A moment, and her cheek was pale
Beyond its natural hue;
A moment, and a deeper breath
The struggling bosom drew.
Her sister turned, and saw her there;
She only met a smile;
And Elinore, to calm her tears,
Forgot her own the while.
She drew the maiden to her side,
And soothed her with fond words,
And sympathy, whose music comes
From the heart's own fine chords.
She said that she was glad to know
Her sister's heart was given,
For that her own had only room
For their own hearth, and heaven.
A few weeks, and the hills around
Caught lute and trumpet's call;
For stately was the wedding feast
Within Count Herman's hall.
