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BALAUSTION'S ADVENTURE.
The boy has got a father, a defenceTower-like, he speaks to and has answer from:But thou, my girl, how will thy virginhoodConclude itself in marriage fittingly?Upon what sort of sire-found yoke-fellowArt thou to chance? with all to apprehend—Lest, casting on thee some unkind report,She blast thy nuptials in the bloom of youth.For neither shall thy mother watch thee wed,Nor hearten thee in childbirth, standing byJust when a mother's presence helps the most!No, for I have to die: and this my illComes to me, nor to-morrow, no, nor yetThe third day of the month, but now, even now,I shall be reckoned among those no more.Farewell, be happy! And to thee, indeed,Husband, the boast remains permissibleThou hadst a wife was worthy! and to you,