Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/107

Rh My brother sought the cellar-maid. And suffered her no rest; She gave him a refreshing draught, A kiss, too, she impressed.

My cousin is a prudent wight, The cook's by him adored; He turns the spit round ceaselessly, To gain love's sweet reward.

We six together then began A banquet to consume, When lo! a fourth pair singing came, And danced into the room.

Welcome were they,—and welcome, too, Was a fifth jovial pair, Brimful of news, and stored with tales And jests both new and rare.

For riddles, spirit, raillery, And wit, a place remained; A sixth pair then our circle joined, And so that prize was gained.

And yet, to make us truly blest, One missed we, and full sore; A true and tender couple came,— We needed then no more.

The social banquet now goes on, Unchequered by alloy; The sacred double-numbers then Let all at once enjoy!