Vainly the fisherman
Beat the green alder;
Vainly he flung the net,
Never it hauled her!

IV.

"Mother beside the fire
Sat, her nightcap in;
Father, in easy chair,
Gloomily napping;
When at the window-sill
Came a light tapping!

V.

"And a pale countenance
Looked through the casement.
Loud beat the mother's heart,
Sick with amazement,
And at the vision which
Came to surprise her,
Shrieked in an agony--
'Lor! it's Elizar!'

VI

"Yes, 'twas Elizabeth--
Yes, 'twas their girl;
Pale was her cheek, and her