That passed away, and then for a while is more than dimness, for nought I remember save that I was.

Thereafter I remember again, and am a young maiden, and I know some things, and long to know more.

I am nowise happy; I am amongst people who bid me go, and I go; and do this, and I do it: none loveth me, none tormenteth me; but I wear my heart in longing for I scarce know what.

Neither then am I in this land, but in a land that I love not, and a house that is big and stately, but nought lovely.
Then is a dim time again, and sithence a time not right clear; an evil time, wherein I am older, wellnigh grown to womanhood.

There are a many folk about me, and they foul, and greedy, and hard; and my spirit is fierce, and my body feeble; and I am set to tasks that I would not do, by them that are unwiser than I; and smitten I am by them that are less valiant than I; and I know lack, and stripes, and divers misery.