Page:Buddenbrooks vol 1 - Mann (IA buddenbrooks0001mann).pdf/42

RV 30 (BUDDENBROOKS) Thee, my friend with silver hair.

And thy faithful, loving spouse,

And your children young and fair&mdash;

I salute you, and your house.

Industry and beauty chaste

See we linked in marriage band:

Venus Anadyomene

And cunning Vulcan’s busy hand.

May no future storms dismay

With unkind blast the joyful hour;

May each new returning day

Blessings on your pathway shower.

Ceaselessly shall I rejoice

O’er the fortune that is yours:

As to-day I lift my voice,

May I still, while life endures.

In your splendid walls live well.

And cherish with affection true

Him who in his humble cell

Penned to-day these lines for you.

He bowed to a unanimous outburst of applause.

“Charming, Hoffstede,” cried old Buddenbrook. “It was too charming for words. I drink your health.”

But when the Frau Consul touched glasses with the poet, a delicate blush mantled her cheek; for she had seen the courtly bow he made in her direction when he came to the part about the Venus Anadyomene.

RV 30 (30)