Page:Masterpieces of German literature volume 5.djvu/202

164 On a Monday morning early,

Monday morning, they relate,

Magdalene was seen a-walking

Through the city's northern gate.

Then the maidens said: "Thy pardon—

Magdalene, where wouldst thou go! "

"Oh, into my father's garden,

Where I went the night, you know."

And when she to the garden came.

And straight into the garden ran.

There lay beneath the linden-tree

Asleep, a young and comely man.

"Wake up, young man, be stirring,

Oh rise, for time is dear,

I hear the keys a-rattling.

And mother will be here."

"Hearst thou her keys a-rattling.

And thy mother must be nigh.

Then o'er the heath this minute

Oh come with me, and fly!"

And as they wandered o'er the heath.

There for these twain was spread,

A shady linden-tree beneath,

A silken bridal-bed.

And three half hours together,

They lay upon the bed.

"Turn round, turn round, brown maiden;

Give me thy lips so red!"

"Thou sayst so much of turning round,

But naught of wedded troth,

I fear me I have slept away

My faith and honor both."