"We never loved in days of old,
My mother-in-law who lately died (34)
Had killed me had the like been told."
"How came you then to wed a man?"—
"Why, as God ordered! My Ivan
Was younger than myself, my light,
For I myself was thirteen quite; (35)
The matchmaker a fortnight sped,
Her suit before my parents pressing:
At last my father gave his blessing,
And bitter tears of fright I shed.
Weeping they loosed my tresses long (36)
And led me off to church with song."
[Note 34: A young married couple amongst Russian peasants reside in the house of the bridegroom's father till the "tiaglo," or family circle is broken up by his death.]