54
SONGS, LEGENDS, AND BALLADS.
But baps will come from causes slight,
And hidden things upspring to light:
A breeze flings "wide the canvas fold, and deep within the wain, behold
A brass-bound, massive chest!
"Press on!" shouts Abram. "Hold!" they cry; "what treasure hide ye here?"
The word is stern—the answer brief:" Treasure! 'tis household gear;
Plain linen cloth and flaxen thread." The scribes deceived are wroth;
"Then weigh the chest—its price shall be the dues on linen cloth!"
The face of Abram seemed to grieve, though joy was in his breast.
As carefully his servants took and weighed the mighty chest.
But one hath watched the secret smile; he cries—"This stranger old
Hath used deceit: no cloth is here—this chest is filled with gold!"
