A Night of Doleful Farewell

The house of Kelidon was open

And shone with light and glee:

A thousand guests had gathered there

To celebrate and see.

It was the wedding of Stemènos

Kelidon’s firstborn son,

Who laughing with a cup in hand

Among the friends strode on.

The bride was sitting ‘mong her maids

In flee from people’s sight

A vision was tormenting her

She’d dreamt the foregoing night.

“My friends” moaned she “I fear a dream

Which came to me last night.”

Meanwhile the bridegroom saw one man

Who seemed to wait for him

All clothed in ragged beggar gown

With features pale and dim.

“O stranger guest, o stranger guest,

Although I know not thee

I recognize thy large-brimmed hat

I know you’ve come for me.

O stranger guest, o stranger guest

Whose eyes cast ember’s light

I recognize thy skinny face:

I’ll leave this very night.

I know you not, yet this I say:

I’ll come this very night.”

The silent stranger bade him go,

The young man stepped outside

And whispered through the meek night air

“Farewell, o dear, dear bride…”