Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/121

Rh And then our troubles vanish all, For to the town we're driven, (Well covered by the victor's force), Where we in wrath first came,— The women, frightened then, of course, Are loving now and tame.

Cellar and heart are opened wide, The cook's allowed no rest: While beds with softest down supplied Are by our members pressed. The nimble lads upon us wait, No sleep the hostess takes; Her shift is torn in pieces straight,— What wondrous lint it makes!

If one has tended carefully The hero's wounded limb, Her neighbour cannot rest, for she Has also tended him. A third arrives in equal haste. At length they all are there, And in the middle he is placed Of the whole band so fair!

On good authority the king Hears how we love the fight, And bids them cross and ribbon bring, Our coat and breast to dight. Say if a better fate can e'er A son of Mars pursue! 'Midst tears at length we go from there. Beloved and honoured, too.