The Romance of a Water-Lily. 115

 

creature, as she watched the poor flowers float slowly
down the current towards the lake. “But thou hast
torn them from their roots ; they do not float as they
once did, full of life. Nay,” added she, sadly, “thou
hast killed them; the water will be now but their
grave; and IJ loved them.”

She spoke with a tender and simple pathos that
moved the heart.

“I would I had not done it since it so grieves you,”
said Michael, repentantly.

His voice seemed to recall her to action. With a
change as swift as it was airy, she forgot pathos and
laughter in the sense of her power, in the desire for
her revenge.

“Ay, thou mayst well wish thou hadst not done
it,” said she, severely, “for thy punishment is sure,
and thou canst not elude it. And thou art a fair
youth and strong of limb, ‘tis a pity thou shouldst
die. What evil genius brought thee to such a pass,
that of all the flowers in the world thou must needs
pluck these very forbidden lilies?”