A night of doleful farewell

The house of Kelidon was open
And shone with light and glee:
A thousand guests had gathered there
To celebrate and see.

It was the wedding of Stemènos
Kelidon’s firstborn son,
Who laughing with a cup in hand
Among the friends strode on.

The bride was sitting ‘mong her maids
In flee from people’s sight
A vision was tormenting her
She’d dreamt the foregoing night.
“My friends” moaned she “I fear a dream
Which came to me last night.”

Meanwhile the bridegroom saw one man
Who seemed to wait for him
All clothed in ragged beggar gown
With features pale and dim.

“O stranger guest, o stranger guest,
Although I know not thee
I recognize thy large-brimmed hat
I know you’ve come for me.

O stranger guest, o stranger guest
Whose eyes cast ember’s light
I recognize thy skinny face:
I’ll leave this very night.
I know you not, yet this I say:
I’ll come this very night.”

The silent stranger bade him go,
The young man stepped outside
And whispered through the meek night air
“Farewell, o dear, dear bride…”