“Always harp’d upon the thesis
“That by travelling alone we
“Could obtain that polish, which he
“Had from foreign lands imported!
“So, that I might wipe away all
“That raw crust which stuck upon me,
“And like Kölle might acquire
“Elegant and polish’d manners,
“From my country I departed,
“And while thus the grand tour making,
“Came I to the Pyrenees,
“To the cottage of Uraca.
“I an introduction brought her
“From Justinus Kerner[34], never
“Thinking that this so-called friend
“Was in wicked league with witches.
“Kindly welcomed me Uraca,
“Yet, to my alarm, her friendship
“Kept on growing, till converted
“At the last to sensual passion.
“Yes, immodesty still flicker’d
“Wildly in the wither’d bosom
“Of this wretched, worthless woman,
“And she now must needs seduce me!
“Yet implored I: ‘Ah, excuse me,
“‘Worthy madam! I’m no friv’lous
“‘Goethe’s pupil, but belong
“‘To the poet-school of Swabia.
“‘Modesty’s the muse we worship,
“‘And the drawers she wears are made of
“‘Thickest leather—Ah, good madam,
“‘Do not violate my virtue!
“‘Other poets boast of genius,
“‘Others fancy, others passion,
“‘But the pride of Swabian poets
“‘Is especially their virtue.
“‘That’s the only wealth we boast of!
“‘Do not rob me of the modest
“‘And religious simple garment
“‘Which my nakedness doth cover!’