* * * * * This would I learn: when life is ended, O whither doth our spirit go? Where is the flame when once extinguish’d? The wind, when it hath ceased to blow? 6. Wounded, in distress, and sickly, On a lovely summer’s morrow Men I fly, and bury quickly In the wood my bitter sorrow. As I move, in mute compassion All the noisy birds are vying; At my grief in wondrous fashion Each dark linden-tree is sighing. In the vale I sadly sit on Some green bank, sweet balm exhaling: “Kitten! O my pretty kitten!” And the hills repeat my wailing. Kitten! O my pretty kitten! Why delightest thou to do ill? Sadly is my poor heart smitten By thy tiger-talons cruel. For my heart, grown stern and sadden’d, Long had been to joy a stranger, Till by new love I was gladden’d At thy sight, and fear’d no danger. Thou in secret seem’dst to mew thus: “Have no fear of being bitten; “Prythee trust me when I sue thus, “I’m a very gentle kitten.” * * * * * 7. Whilst sweet Philomel in airy Woods at random sings and wildly, Thou preferrest the canary Doubtless, as it flutters mildly. In the cage I see thee feeding This small bird, so tame and yellow, And it picks thy fingers, pleading For some sugar, pretty fellow! Charming is the scene and moving! Angels must enjoy the notion! I myself, with look approving, Drop a tear of deep emotion. 8. With Wedding Gifts the Spring Has Arrived, With music and exultation; It brings the bridegroom and the bride Its hearty congratulation. It brings its violets, rosebuds fair, And jasmine and herbs sweet-scented, And for the bride asparagus too,-- The bridegroom’s with salad contented. 9. God protect thee from o’erheating, And thy heart from palpitation, Keep thee from excessive eating, And excessive perspiration. As upon thy day of marriage May thy love be ever blessèd! Ne’er the bridal yoke disparage! Be thy frame with health possessèd! 10. Pretty maid, if so inclined, Thou mayst now thus think anent me This man’s conduct is unkind, For he’s seeking to torment me;-- Me, who never said a word That could possibly offend him; Who, when others’ blame I heard, Did my utmost to befriend him. Me, who had resolved in fact By-and-by to love him dearly, Had he not begun to act As if he were frantic nearly! 11. How thou snarlest, laughest, broodest. How thou in ill humour twistest, When thou, to all love a stranger, Yet on jealousy existest! ’Tis not red and fragrant roses Thou dost smell and love so dearly; No, amongst the thorns thou sniffest, Till they scratch thy nose severely.