And if her heart was not at ease, This was her constant cry-- "It was a wicked woman's curse-- God's good, and what care I?"
There was a hurry in her looks, Her struggles she redoubled: "It was a wicked woman's curse, And why should I be troubled?"
These tears will come--I dandled her When 'twas the merest fairy-- Good creature! and she hid it all: She told it not to Mary.
But Mary heard the tale: her arms Round Ellen's neck she threw; "O Ellen, Ellen, she cursed me, And now she hath cursed you!"
I saw young Edward by himself Stalk fast adown the lee, He snatched a stick from every fence, A twig from every tree.
He snapped them still with hand or knee, And then away they flew! As if with his uneasy limbs He knew not what to do!
You see, good Sir! that single hill? His farm lies underneath: He heard it there, he heard it all, And only gnashed his teeth.
Now Ellen was a darling love In all his joys and cares: And Ellen's name and Mary's name Fast-linked they both together came, Whene'er he said his prayers.
And in the moment of his prayers He loved them both alike: Yea, both sweet names with one sweet joy Upon his heart did strike!
He reach'd his home, and by his looks They saw his inward strife: And they clung round him with their arms, Both Ellen and his wife.
And Mary could not check her tears, So on his breast she bowed; Then frenzy melted into grief, And Edward wept aloud.
Dear Ellen did not weep at all, But closelier did she cling, And turned her face and looked as if She saw some frightful thing.
To see a man tread over graves I hold it no good mark; 'Tis wicked in the sun and moon, And bad luck in the dark!
You see that grave? The Lord he gives, The Lord, he takes away: O Sir! the child of my old age Lies there as cold as clay.
Except that grave, you scarce see one That was not dug by me; I'd rather dance upon 'em all Than tread upon these three!
"Aye, Sexton!'tis a touching tale." You, Sir! are but a lad; This month I'm in my seventieth year, And still it makes me sad.
And Mary's sister told it me, For three good hours and more; Though I had heard it, in the main, From Edward's self, before.
Well! it passed off! the gentle Ellen Did well nigh dote on Mary; And she went oftener than before, And Mary loved her more and more: She managed all the dairy.
