Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 1.djvu/204

158 Or let it be thy chancellor's prize, Amid his heaps to feast liis eyes;
 * Its yellow glance will please him.

"'I sing but as the linnet sings,
 * That on the green bough dwelleth;

A rich reward his music brings,
 * As from his throat it swelleth:

Yet might I ask, I'd ask of thine One sparkling draught of purest wine,
 * To drink it here before you.'

"He viewed the wine; he quaffed it up.
 * 'O draught of sweetest savour!

O happy house, where such a cup
 * Is thought a little favour!

If well you fare, remember me, And thank kind Heaven, from envy free.
 * As now for this I thank you.'"

When the harper, on finishing his song, took up a glass of wine that stood poured out for him, and, turning with a friendly mien to his entertainers, drank it off, a buzz of joyful approbation rose from all the party. They clapped hands, and wished him health from that glass, and strength to his aged limbs. He sang a few other ballads, exciting more and more hilarity among the company.

"Old man," said Philina, "dost thou know the tune, 'The shepherd decked him for the dance?'" "Oh, yes!" said he: "if you will sing the words, I shall not fail for my part of it."

Philina then stood up, and held herself in readiness. The old man commenced the tune; and she sang a song, which we cannot impart to our readers, lest they might think it insipid, or perhaps undignified.

Meanwhile the company were growing merrier and merrier: they had already emptied several flasks of wine, and were now beginning to get very loud. But