In the distance could be heard the songs of the youths from the adjoining parishes, just starting for home, and repeating, in voices somewhat the worse for wear, the merry refrains of the preceding night.
By the sweat of thy brow Thou wilt earn thy poor livelihood; After long travail and service, Lo! _Death_ comes and calls thee. ]
[Footnote 2: The name applied to the road which turns aside from the main street at the entrance to a village and runs along its outskirts. It is supposed that people who fear that they may receive some merited _affront_ will take that road to avoid being seen.--_Author's Note_.]
Open the door, yes, open, Marie, my darling, I have beautiful gifts to offer you. Alas! my dear, pray let us in. ]
My father grieves, my mother's deathly sad, And I am too pitiful a daughter To open my door at such an hour. ]
I have a fine handkerchief to offer you. ]
Open the door, yes, open, Marie, my darling, 'Tis a handsome husband who comes to seek you. Come, my dear, and let us let them in. ]
[Footnote 7: Man of straw--from _paille_ (straw).]
End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Devil's Pool, by George Sand