XI.
"It is made!" - The news spread wide and far,
"A bridal gown as bright as Heaven's star!"
"Nay, 'tis wrong," cried Lura, "- 'tis too fast!
"One week hath not even fully passed.
These reports, for ought I know, are lies,
Not to be believed, but with mine eyes."
But the awful truth was too soon known:
The wedding dress was ready to be shown.
Such a gown as never had before
Mortal made, nor ever mortal wore. –
Cut from snow-white silk, superbly fine
Fashioned to an intricate design,
Spangled with a thousand precious gems
Fastened on its drapes and folds and hems:
Dazzling sapphires, rubies rare and bright
Matchless diamonds twinkling in the light.
And a jewel-encrusted bridal veil
Glittered in a floating starry trail.
Truly, such a dress was never seen:
Fit for – not a princess – but a Queen!
Now the King approached. He said, "You see?
I've fulfilled all thou didst ask of me."
"Aye," admitted Lura, "but one thing –"
"Nay! Thy time is up!" shouted the King.
"Long enough I've let thee stall and tarry.
On the morrow we do surely marry!"
So, the princess, filled with grief and gloom
Took her bridal gown unto her room
Crushed and pressed it in a walnut shell
Thence to stow it in the silver cell.
To herself she whispered, "By my life,
I will never be my father's wife."