The astrologer thus discoursed, and then
He threw himself thrice on the ground again.
The king with rich presents sent him away,
And stretched himself, his course to survey.
He thought of this, and he thought of that;
(Kings seldom find their thoughts come pat).
His ape beside him took his seat,
And both of them fell asleep with the heat.
What he resolved, I’ll hereafter relate;
The Indian mails are behind their date.
The last of these which has come to hand
Was by way of Suez, and overland.
KNAVE OF BERGEN.
At Dusseldorf castle on the Rhine
They’re gaily masquerading;
The waxlights sparkle, the company dance,
The music their nimbleness aiding.
The beauteous Duchess dances too,
And ceases laughing never;
Her partner is a slender youth,
Who seems right courtly and clever.
He wears a mask of velvet black,
Whence merrily is peeping
An eye just like a shining dirk
From out of its sheath half creeping.
The carnival throng exultingly shout
As they whirl in the waltz’s embraces,
While Drickes and Marizzebill[66]
Salute with loud noise and grimaces.
The trumpets crash, and the merry hum
Of the double-bass increases,
Until the dance to an end has come,
And then the music ceases.
“Most excellent Lady, thy pardon I beg,
“’Tis time for me to go now—”
“The Duchess said smiling: “You shall not depart,
“Unless your face you show now.”