We
had barely left Hagen when darkness fell,
A cold chill struck to my liver—
But, till we reached Unna, and stopped at the inn,
I could only be patient and shiver.
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2
The
sweetest of maidens mixed me my punch;
She was friendly and fair as the noonlight.
Her golden locks were like yellow silk,
And her eyes were as soft as moonlight.
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3
'Twas
a positive pleasure to hear again
The Westphalian voices speaking.
With memories fond of comrades loved
It set the punch-bowl reeking.
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4
Those
dear old friends of the Göttingen days!
How we drank while we were able,
And then how we fell on each other's hearts,
And sank beneath the table!
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5
How
I loved those honest Westphalian lads
In the good old times that fled fast—
They were free of all vain ostentation and show,
And always so true and so steadfast!
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6
How
squarely and proudly they stood when they fenced!
How gallant their gay defiance!
How fairly they dealt their tierces and quartes,
As they fought with hearts of lions!
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7
They
can fight, they can drink, and, when hand-clasps seal
Love's bond, their spirit mellows
And they weep; they are sentimental oaks,
And the rarest of all good fellows!
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May
Heaven guard you, gallant race,
And bless your seed! May your story
Be untroubled alike by war and fame,
By heroes and heroes' glory!
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May
your sons have luck and always be set
An easy examination!
day your daughters be suitably married betimes!
Amen to my supplication!
