Taking a diversion from reading historic materials I thought I’d read something for fun---some light reading. I chose Jane Austen, which of course is NOT easy reading.  It took a little while to understand the 18^th century ‘language’! At the same time, a melody ran through my head that always ended with the words ‘no matter what the cost’. One day I decided to put lyrics to it and questioned myself as to what IS the cost? 

NO MATTER WHAT THE COST 

It was a cold day in December, like the one some years ago
When he lost his sweet and young love in the frightful wind and snow
To the frightful wind and snow. 

A lovers’ quarrel they had encountered and though the storm was on the rise
He bid farewell to his Eliza as the tears streamed from his eyes
As the tears streamed from his eyes. 

            A shadow then was cast; her want for him did grow
            She took her leave of sheltered warmth and went out into the snow. 

In the spring thaw they did find her and her last words sure were lost
That she vowed she’d never lose him no matter what the cost
No matter what the cost.