III.

Three little maidens they have slain

To find out what their hearts contain

The first of them was brimmed with bliss,

And everywhere her blood was shed

For full three years three serpents hiss.

The second full of kindness sweet,

And everywhere her blood was shed,

Three lambs three years have grass to eat.

The third was full of pain and rue,

And everywhere her blood was shed,

Three seraphim watch three years through.

Contemporary Belgian Poetry Selected and Translated by Jethro Bithell · 第 146 / 232 题