In the distance could be heard the songs of the youths from the
adjoining parishes, just starting for home, and repeating, in voices
somewhat the worse for wear, the merry refrains of the preceding night.




NOTES


[Footnote 1:

By the sweat of thy brow
Thou wilt earn thy poor livelihood;
After long travail and service,
Lo! _Death_ comes and calls thee.
]

[Footnote 2: The name applied to the road which turns aside from the
main street at the entrance to a village and runs along its outskirts.
It is supposed that people who fear that they may receive some merited
_affront_ will take that road to avoid being seen.--_Author's Note_.]

[Footnote 3:

Open the door, yes, open,
Marie, my darling,
I have beautiful gifts to offer you.
Alas! my dear, pray let us in.