CHAPTER XXIX--BRINGING THE SUMMER HOME

Never to be forgotten was the day on which Alfred brought Egwina and Siegbert to his palace. Not a cloud marred the blue of the sky or dimmed the brightness of the sun. All nature seemed to have donned her fairest garb. Cowslips dotted every mead. Birds trilled joyously from every bush. The patient oxen, each with a nosegay betwixt his horns, bore to every village and town tall birch trees, around which the swains and maidens frolicked; for it was the first of May, and ealdorman and thegn and ceorl joined together in the glad bringing home of the Summer.

In the morning from every village went two troops of horse. Tall youths and men assembled as though they would go forth to a mighty battle. One troop was under a captain named "Winter," arrayed in fur and wadded garments, and armed with a winter spear, who arrogantly rode to and fro, showering made snow-balls as if he would fain prolong the cold. The other troop was commanded by a captain clad in green boughs, leaves, flowers, and other summer raiment. Then the two factions engaged in a tilt, typical of the struggle between life and death, wherein Summer hath the mastery. Winter and his companions scatter ashes and sparks about them. The other company defend themselves with birchen boughs and young lime twigs; finally the multitude award the victory to Summer, and he is crowned with flowers.

All the lads and lassies had set out soon after midnight, with horns and other music, to neighboring woods, breaking boughs off the trees and decking themselves with wreaths and posies. Homeward then they turned, and at sunrise set these bushes in the doors and windows of their houses. Feasting and games followed, and joyous was the day.

Bright the mead and green the woodland that stretched from the palace, and merrily resounded horns and song upon the air. As they neared the manor, Egwina's step grew slower, and she trembled. Alfred drew her close to his side, and bade her lean upon him for support. From one of a group of merry-makers a young man detached himself, and came toward them with light, quick steps. It was Edward.

"My father," he cried, "glad am I that thou hast returned. Somewhat of uneasiness did we feel that thou didst not come sooner, but now--"

He stopped short, catching sight of Egwina for the first time. Over his face flashed immediately incredulity, surprise, and delight in quick succession. So great was his amazement that he spoke not, but looked at the maiden as though he were afraid a word would dissolve the vision.

"Son, hast thou no word of welcome for thy bride?" Alfred spoke cheerily. "A laggard will she think thee if thou dost not greet her. Thy father hath brought thee thy bride. Shall he woo her for thee also?"

He stooped and kissed the maiden's brow, and then, leading her to Edward, joined their hands together, saying:

"I have brought thee home thy summer, Edward. Take her, and forever keep that summer in thy heart. I cannot express all her merit. Prudent and modest is she, and none excelleth her in purity. She lives now for thee--thee alone. Hence she loves naught else but thee. Let her waste not for thy love, and suffer naught to come between thee. As thou dealest with her, so may God deal with thee."

"So may God deal with me," repeated Edward, solemnly. "Welcome, my bride, and thrice welcome! Never more shall we be parted. We two will live with but one heart and one purpose."

"Welcome also thy bride's brother," and the king brought Siegbert forward. "Hast thou room in thy heart for another brother? Marry! once I thought him loth to let thee have Egwina, and hard did I plead for thee."

"But now?" and Edward greeted Siegbert in his frank, winning way.

"Now that I have seen thee, I am content," answered Siegbert.

"It doth surprise me to behold in thee a brother to Egwina," said Edward, his hand still clasping that of Siegbert. "I wotted not that she possessed any that were sibbe to her."

"'Tis a long story," and Alfred drew Siegbert away with him and turned toward the palace. "While we greet the Lady Elswitha, do thou tell him it, Egwina. Join us anon in the hall, Edward."

Edward held out his hands to the maiden.

"Let us wander under the trees," he said. "Henceforth and forever hand-in-hand."

So under the trees they sauntered, pouring forth their joy at again being with each other. When the first rapture was over, Edward said: "Tell me, Egwina, why thou didst leave me that night, and how thou didst find thy brother? Vainly did I seek for thee; vainly sought in hillock and dale for trace of thee, but naught was there to be found anywhere."

Egwina began where he left her, and told him all her story. When she reached the ordeal, he seized her hand and tore her sleeve and bracelet from her arm.

"No scar or burn in truth is there!" he cried. "Oh, blessings on the vala who mixed for Adiva the potion! Blessings also upon Adiva! As for Denewulf--how dared he let thee suffer such a trial?"

Egwina laid her hand gently upon his.

"It was not Denewulf, Edward. I demanded it, for none were there who believed in my innocence. God alone could show it, for man had forsaken me. Grieve not over it, because of it was I led to Anlaf's, where I found Siegbert, my brother. Through him was it that thy father did enter our dwelling, and thus, at last, was I brought to thee."

"Truly, it was God's providence," answered Edward. "Yet doth my heart beat, and a mist comes before mine eyes at thy hardships. Tell on, brave heart; I will be calm."

"There is but little else to tell," answered she, and continued her narrative.

"Edward, Edward," called some merry voices as a group of youths and maidens came trooping toward them, "come and join us."

Catching sight of Egwina, they stopped in surprise, and then called joyously: "'Tis Egwina! Egwina hath come to us again!" They gathered round her, welcoming her warmly. Edward took from a maiden near him a garland of cowslips, daisies, and primroses, and kneeling before Egwina said: "Thus do I crown thee my Summer and queen of my heart."

"They have exchanged the true-lofa!" went up the merry shout. "Edward hath chosen his mate! Lord and lady of the Summer are they!"

Bursting into a gay song, they joined hands and circled joyously round the loving pair.

"Merry is the throstle's song And blithe the mead doth bloom; For we have brought the Summer home From Winter's dreary tomb.

"Merry is the song of youth And blithely do we sing; For each hath brought his Summer fair To join our mystic ring."

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Transcriber's Note

Spelling and punctuation inaccuracies were silently corrected.

Archaic and variable spelling is preserved.

The author's punctuation style is preserved.

Hyphenation has been made consistent.