A maid abandoned by a man
Sat by a river weeping.
Her wailing there made such a din
That it woke the witch who dwelled within.
For years she had been sleeping.
"Who woketh me from out my depth?"
Cried the hag, in anger.
The witch beheld her beauty rare,
And in envy great the cat did swear
That surely she would hang her!
"Pity a maiden abused by a man. Take my life; take my beauty.
I've no use for love. Take my soul — all I am.
They are no comfort to me."
A bargain there was struck and set
Upon that very hour:
The witch would get her beauty rare,
That body sweet beyond compare,
And the girl would get the power.
But the world is harsh and cruel in love,
And the witch soon rued her bargain.
She tired of love and lies and men,
And she wished she had her power again.
To the maiden she went walking.
"Pity a maiden abused by a man. Take my life; take my beauty.
I've no use for love. Take my soul — all I am.
They are no comfort to me."
"I pity you," the maiden said,
"In this, your darkest hour.
You were the fool; it's plain to see
That the blame is yours, not fixed to me,
And I'll not give up the power."