The Beginning of the Story - Page 3 of 25

33   Hereat he fainted with repining;
His heart to heavy grief resigning;
Head drooped, and tears his visage lining –
Where bound he stood, some trickled, shining.

34   From head to foot, his form entire
Told its own tale of anguish dire,
And Jealousy's fanning, too, the fire
Of Death's impatience and its ire.

35   One even of compassion slow,
Seeing him thus, would soften so;
His tears, reluctant, yet would flow,
Be he the very judge and foe.

36   Enough to see disgrace so dealt,
And mutely worn its scathing welt,
For mortal heart at once to melt
Though at the eyes no tear be felt.

37   What pity on one's breast would prey
Who had just looking, felt dismay,
If groans and moans his ears relay,
Since now the sworn has passed away.

38   Hither, the woods were pierced, and yon
With sobs and sighs all woebegone,
Resounding loud and flung anon
By echoes answering farther on:

39   O Laura adored, why cede elsewhere
That love which is my plighted share?
Why to a true heart turned unfair,
Which heart was once your dearest care?

40   In sacred oath, did not you say
You never would my love betray?
Wherefore I pledged my breast away,
Now dreamt the curse of coming day.

41   Your lovely charms before me rising,
The lasting sky epitomizing,
I took your word, not once surmising
That looks deceive which are enticing.

42   I never guessed you'd render vain
Those tears you once could not restrain –
That I was loved, made thereby plain,
My presence balm to all your pain.

43   Whene'er your royal father would
Send me to some new battle, you'd
Prepare my shield – remember? – strewed
With pearly teardrops sudden brewed.

44   And as this blazonry of mine
You'd sew with fingers coralline,
Your sighs above the bright design
Would with your golden threads entwine.

45   How often, Love, your arms would bear
A tear-drenched cloak for me to wear?
The while your sighs would rend the air,
My fate in war your anxious care?

46   Armor to shield my body o'er,
You'd never let me wear before
First making sure no rust it bore
That might besmear the clothes I wore.

47   Their strength, their sheen, you would appraise:
Should blows their surface merely graze?
Would they, too, sought at distant pace
Outshine the rest to meet your gaze?

48   Rich with your art my turban came
With topaz, pearl, and ruby aflame;
A fitful diamond flashed, the same
Set to the L that heads your name.

Learn this Filipino word:

tulóg na lukán