And when the tempest from its base The rooted pine would shake,

The powerless storm unruffling swept

Across the calm dead lake.

And ever then when death drew near

The house of Arlinkow,

Its dark unfathom'd waters sent
Strange music from below.

The Lord of Arlinkow was old,

One only child had he,

DONICA was the Maiden's name,
As fair as fair might be.

A bloom as bright as opening morn Flush'd o'er her clear white cheek; The music of her voice was mild,

Her full dark eyes were meek.

Far was her beauty known, for none So fair could Finland boast;

Her parents loved the Maiden much, Young EBERHARD loved her most.

Together did they hope to tread
The pleasant path of life,

For now the day drew near to make
Donica Eberhard's wife.

The eve was fair and mild the air,
Along the lake they stray;
The eastern hill reflected bright

The tints of fading day.

And brightly o'er the water stream'd The liquid radiance wide;

Donica's little dog ran on

Youth, health, and love bloom'd on her cheek,

Her full dark eyes express

In many a glance to Eberhard

Her soul's meek tenderness.

Nor sound was heard, nor passing gale
Sigh'd through the long lank sedge;
The air was hush'd, no little wave

Dimpled the water's edge.

Sudden the unfathom'd lake sent forth

Its music from beneath,

And slowly o'er the waters sail'd

The solemn sounds of death.

As those deep sounds of death arose,
Donica's cheek grew pale,

And in the arms of Eberhard

The lifeless Maiden fell.

Loudly the Youth in terror shriek'd,
And loud he call'd for aid,

And with a wild and eager look
Gazed on the lifeless Maid.

But soon again did better thoughts

In Eberhard arise,

And he with trembling hope beheld
The Maiden raise her eyes.

And on his arm reclined she moved

With feeble pace and slow,

And soon with strength recover'd reach'd

The towers of Arlinkow.

Yet never to Donica's cheek

Return'd the lively hue;

Her cheeks were deathy white and wan,

Her eyes so bright and black of yore
Were now more black and bright,
And beam'd strange lustre in her face
So deadly wan and white.

The dog that gamboll'd by her side,
And loved with her to stray,

Now at his alter'd mistress howl'd,
And fled in fear away.

Yet did the faithful Eberhard

Not love the Maid the less;

He gazed with sorrow, but he gazed

With deeper tenderness.

And when he found her health unharm'd

He would not brook delay,

But press'd the not unwilling Maid

To fix the bridal day.