Love Need Not Be Tested

She was such a wee thing, bouncing when she walked. You could hear Ireland in her voice. Countless days and nights she waited, looking to the east. He promised to return in the Spring, by Summer at the latest. She counted days and nights .....hours, weeks passed as she looked toward the east, thinking of his return. For fear of losing her mind, she weeps. Then on the eve of of winters bloom, a face upon the frosted pane appeared. “Thank God! Thank God!” as a prayer swept through her mind. Limping into the room he simply took her hand. “Will you still take me though half a man ?, he asked. I have no money. I have no place to take you, no lands, no titles, No gold in my pocket”. She was of royal blood. Ancient aristocracy had formed her frame. She stood erect and with no hesitation she answered the young man. “You ask me such a thing? You ask me such a thing even after all these years? You ask me such a thing even as these tears of joy, upon seeing you, spring forth as unbridled water frothing a mountain stream? Is your faith in me that trite? I will not tolerate a man of little faith. Maybe I don’t know you as I thought. Maybe now, you are a stranger?” “Never a stranger to you lass! Never again a doubt! Never again a test of wills or courage! From this day, nay - - from before all the yesterdays and after all the tomorrows will my faith and my love be affirmed by my presence at your side. Let no man harm you while I live, for I will not have it. These things be true, I swear on my oath as a man, free born under God and accepting of his judgment. These things be true”. Glowing inside, all of her doubt was swept away. As she held him close she thought of how little time she had to prepare for a small gathering of friends at the next visitation of the traveling Reverend who would marry them. It was a grand time to be alive, to still be young and to look forward to life with this young Irish man.