Immortal she dwelleth in Valhal's care,
But the people's prayer,
The children's desire, is a mother.

"King Bele oft sat as a guest at my side
When winter ended;
The daughter he left I would choose for my bride,--
Her father's pride,
In whose cheeks rose and lily are blended.


"I know she is young, and in youth sublime.
Would gather flowers;
My flower is past and my early prime;
My locks has Time
Besprinkled with snowy showers.

Oh, could she but honor the withered tree
Which age has blighted;
And could she a friend to the motherless be,
Then should you see
To the throne Spring by Autumn invited.

"Take gold froth my coffers, take jewels rare,
Unstinted measure
Let minstrels attending the way prepare
To win the fair,--
For song heralds wooing and pleasure."

With gold and petitions, a noisy throng,