First published in An. Anth., 1800, included in Essays, &c., ii. 997. First collected P. and D. W., 1877, ii. 164. Adapted from Lessing's Sinngedicht No. 17. An den Doktor Sp * *. 'Dein Söhnchen lässt dich nie den Namen Vater hören.'
29
RUFA
Thy lap-dog, Rufa, is a dainty beast,
It don't surprise me in the least
To see thee lick so dainty clean a beast.
But that so dainty clean a beast licks thee,
Yes—that surprises me.
First published in An. Anth., 1800. First collected P. and D. W., 1877, ii. 164. Adapted from Lessing's Sinngedicht No. 66. An die Dorilis. 'Dein Hündchen, Dorilis, ist zärtlich, tändelnd, rein.'
30
ON A VOLUNTEER SINGER
Swans sing before they die—'twere no bad thing
Should certain persons die before they sing.