Page:Modern poets and poetry of Spain.djvu/129

Rh And with them taking up the part,

They give me in their toils and cares

To share, with jokes that merry start,

Away the evening wears.

About his crops one tells me all,

Another all about his vines,

And what their neighbours may befall

Each many a tale combines.

I ponder o'er each sage advice;

Their proverbs carefully I store;

Their doubts and quarrels judge concise,

As arbitrator o'er.

My judgements all extol they free,

And all together talking loud;

For innocent equality

Reigns in their breasts avowed.

Then soon the servant comes to bring

The brimming jugs, and next with these

The mirthful girl supplies the ring

With chestnuts, and the cheese.

And all, in brotherly content,

Draw nearer round, to pass untold

The sparkling cups, that wine present

Of more than three years old.