The task her little ones of feeding She met unfaltering from that hour; She taught them thrift and honest breeding, Her virtues were their worldly dower. To seek employment, one by one, Forth with her blessing they departed, And she was in the world alone, Alone and old, but still high-hearted. With frugal forethought, self-denying, She gather'd coin and flax she bought, And many a night her spindle plying, Good store of fine-spun thread she wrought. The thread was fashion'd in the loom; She brought it home, and calmly seated To work, with not a thought of gloom, Her decent grave-clothes she completed. She looks on them with fond elation, They are her wealth, her treasure rare, Her age's pride and consolation, Hoarded with all a miser's care. She dons the sark each Sabbath day, To hear the Word that faileth never; Well-pleased she lays it then away, Till she shall sleep in it forever. Would that my spirit witness bore me That, like this woman, I had done The work my Master put before me, Duly from morn till set of sun. Would that life's cup had been by me Quaff'd in such wise and happy measure, And that I too might finally Look on my shroud with such meek pleasure. THE WONDERFUL HISTORY OF PETER SCHLEMIHL (1814) By ADALBERT VON CHAMISSO TRANSLATED BY FREDERIC H. HEDGE CHAPTER I After a fortunate, but for me very troublesome voyage, we finally reached the port. The instant that I touched land in the boat, I loaded myself with my few effects, and passing through the swarming people, I entered the first, and most modest house, before which I saw a sign hang. I requested a room; the boots measured me with a look, and conducted me into the garret. I caused fresh water to be brought, and made him exactly describe to me where I should find Mr. Thomas John. He replied to my inquiry--"Before the north gate; the first country-house on the right hand; a large new house of red and white marble, with many columns." "Good!" It was still early in the day. I opened at once my bundle; took thence my new black cloth coat; clad myself cleanly in my best apparel; put my letter of introduction into my pocket, and immediately set out on the way to the man who was to promote my modest expectations.