The Spinner

The Spinner

AS I calmly sat and span,

Toiling with all zeal,

Lo!a young and handsome man

Pass’d my spinning-wheel.

And he praised,—what harm was there?—

Sweet the things he said—

Praised my flax-resembling hair,

And the even thread.

He with this was not content,

But must needs do more;

And in twain the thread was rent,

Though’twas safe before.

And the flax’s stonelike weight

Needed to be told;

But no longer was its state

Valued as of old.

When I took it to the weaver,

Something felt I start,

And more quickly,as with fever,

Throbb’d my trembling heart.

Then I bear the thread at length

Through the heat,to bleach;

But,alas,I scarce have strength

To the pool to reach.

What I in my little room

Span so fine and slight,—

As was likely.I presume—

Came at last to light.

1800.*