His breath is amber,—sharp his reed; The hand which holds it, O! how white. He writes fair talismans,—a creed, For maidens doth the loved one write: "Of him that will not have thee,—think not! From him that fain would have thee, shrink not." S. J. B.
LIII
MINE EVERYWHERE
"Come with me, thou charming maiden! Be my love and come with me." 'Wherefore play with words so foolish? That can never, never be; I had rather in the tavern Bear the golden cup, than ever,— Ever promise to be thine.' "I am the young tavern-keeper, So thou wilt indeed be mine."
'Wherefore play with words so foolish? No such fate will e'er befall; In the coffee-house I'd rather Serve, envelop'd in my shawl, Rather than be thine at all.' "But I am the coffee boiler, Thee, my maiden, will I call."
'Wherefore play with words so foolish? That can never, never be; Rather o'er the field I'll wander, Changed into a quail, than ever, Ever give myself to thee.' "But I am a vigorous sportsman, And thou wilt belong to me."
'Play not, youth! with words so foolish, That can never, never be; Rather to a fish I'd change me, Dive me deep beneath the sea, Rather than belong to thee.' "But I am the finest network, Which into the sea I'll cast; Mine thou art, and mine thou shalt be,— Yes; thou must be mine at last; Be it here, or be it there, Mine thou must be everywhere." S. J. B.
LIV
MAID AWAKING
Lovely maiden gather'd roses, Sleep o'ertook her then; Pass'd a youth and call'd the maiden, Waked the maid again: "Wake! O wake! thou lovely maiden, Why art slumbering now? All the rosy wreaths are fading, Fading on thy brow. He, thy heart's own love, will marry; He will break his vow!" 'Let him marry, let him marry, I shall not complain; But the thunderbolt of heav'n Shall destroy him then.' S. J. B.