[Da Capo.] 1803.* ----- THE SPINNER. As I calmly sat and span, Toiling with all zeal, Lo! a young and handsome man Pass'd my spinning-wheel. And he praised,--what harm was there?-- Sweet the things he said-- Praised my flax-resembling hair, And the even thread. He with this was not content, But must needs do more; And in twain the thread was rent, Though 'twas safe before. And the flax's stonelike weight Needed to be told; But no longer was its state Valued as of old. When I took it to the weaver, Something felt I start, And more quickly, as with fever, Throbb'd my trembling heart. Then I bear the thread at length Through the heat, to bleach; But, alas, I scarce have strength To the pool to reach. What I in my little room Span so fine and slight,-- As was likely. I presume-- Came at last to light. 1800.* ----- BEFORE A COURT OF JUSTICE. THE father's name ye ne'er shall be told Of my darling unborn life; "Shame, shame," ye cry, "on the strumpet bold!" Yet I'm an honest wife. To whom I'm wedded, ye ne'er shall be told, Yet he's both loving and fair; He wears on his neck a chain of gold, And a hat of straw doth he wear. If scorn 'tis vain to seek to repel, On me let the scorn be thrown. I know him well, and he knows me well, And to God, too, all is known. Sir Parson and Sir Bailiff, again, I pray you, leave me in peace! My child it is, my child 'twill remain, So let your questionings cease! 1815.* ----- THE PAGE AND THE MILLER'S DAUGHTER. PAGE. WHERE goest thou? Where? Miller's daughter so fair! Thy name, pray?-- MILLER'S DAUGHTER. 'Tis Lizzy. PAGE. Where goest thou? Where? With the rake in thy hand? MILLER'S DAUGHTER. Father's meadows and land To visit, I'm busy. PAGE. Dost go there alone? MILLER'S DAUGHTER. By this rake, sir, 'tis shown That we're making the hay; And the pears ripen fast In the garden at last, So I'll pick them to-day. PAGE. Is't a silent thicket I yonder view? MILLER'S DAUGHTER. Oh, yes! there are two; There's one on each side. PAGE. I'll follow thee soon; When the sun burns at noon We'll go there, o'urselves from his rays to hide, And then in some glade all-verdant and deep-- MILLER'S DAUGHTER. Why, people would say-- PAGE. Within mine arms thou gently wilt sleep. MILLER'S DAUGHTER. Your pardon, I pray! Whoever is kiss'd by the miller-maid, Upon the spot must needs be betray'd. 'Twould give me distress To cover with white Your pretty dark dress. Equal with equal! then all is right! That's the motto in which I delight. I am in love with the miller-boy; He wears nothing that I could destroy. 1797. ----- THE YOUTH AND THE MILLSTREAM.