Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/133

Rh The bowl he raised, the bowl he quaffed: "Oh, drink, with solace fraught! O house thrice-blest, where such a draught A trifling gift is thought! When Fortune smiles, remember me, And as I thank you heartily, As warmly thank ye, Heaven!"

 EPIPHANIAS.

three holy kings with their star's bright ray,— They eat and they drink, but had rather not pay; They like to eat and drink away, They eat and drink, but had rather not pay.

The three holy kings have all come here, In numbers not four, but three they appear; And if a fourth joined the other three, Increased by one their number would be.

The first am I,—the fair and the white, I ought to be seen when the sun shines bright. But, alas! with all my spices and myrrh, No girl now likes me,—I please not her.

The next am I,—the brown and the long, Known well to women, known well to song, Instead of spices, 'tis gold I bear, And so I'm welcome everywhere.

The last am I,—the black and small, And fain would be right merry withal. I hke to eat and to drink full measure, I eat and drink, and give thanks with pleasure. 