A Reverie.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1982, 21 March 1885, Page 2 (Supplement)

A Reverie.

Hk\ I pretty hostess. Hey ! Hey-day 1 Why do you pout and mope and pine? The woods are green, tha world's in May, Your gains are great with this good wine. Dark brown your wealth of tangled curl And piquant all your airs, my girl, How flashing are your handsome eyes When thus I kiss you by surprise ! I've met so many women fair, But none like you — don't knit your brow 1 To clasp that waist whose curves ensnare, I'd go through half the world, I vow ! And your sweet kis3 — ah ! bless my soul I And your rare wine — fill up my bowl 1 For man is weak and mortal too, And ever Love and Thirst undo. How fleeting are both Kiaa and Wine 1 Chink 1 chink ! my last coin changed hands, So be it, then that purse o! mina No longer in suon peril stands. Ah I lovely hostess, look not grave, I piess your hand, my hat I wave. Who knows what road to luck will lead 1 Above the brook a bridge of reed. And he who thought this song your due, By kind remembrances impelled, Paused at the cross-roads, rhymed of you While still his pilgrim-staff he held. He is a fickle gay young blade, With feathered hat and doublet frayed, Who of his follies makes display Prefers to borrow, not to pay. And yet — his life and health both wane, Alas ! he sits here old and spare, Far off from forest and green plain, Stoop 3 in a scholar's duaty lair, The world for him is in hig books, He knows nor wine nor woman's looks, He feels no kiss — to stroll and sing He leaves for others pleasuring. — Translated from the German by E. F. Daicson.