"I love you, so tarry in Hamburg town;
I love you. Oh, stay and revel
On the oysters and wine of the hour that is;
Let the future go to the devil!

dt text .

"Quick, on with the lid! The smell is beneath.
But we'll try to forget we know it.
I love you. Ah, never woman yet
So loved a German poet!

dt text .

"I kiss you, and feel the burning breath
Of your genius thrill and inspire me.
Its surging flames envelop my soul;
They conquer and inspire me.

dt text .

"I seem to hear, in the street without,
The sound of watchmen singing.
Sweet heart's beloved, a wedding song
Their bridal music's ringing.

dt text .

"The mounted attendants come riding up
In a torch-light dance decorous,
With their gallant torches flickering bright;
They foot it and sway before us.

dt text .

"The high and worshipful Senate next,
And the elders, join the ovation.
The burgomaster is clearing his throat
To deliver a civic oration.

dt text .

"And now 'tis the diplomatic corps
In uniform gay and sprightly,
With congratulations from neighbouring states,
Couched formally and politely.

dt text .

"A religious deputation comes
Of Rabbis and pastors pious;
Then our Hoffmann, alas! with his censor's shears—
Already he's all too nigh us!

dt text .

• note.

•

•

"The shears in his hand are clattering loud;
The terrible fellow's attacking
Your body itself. At a vital part
His murderous shears are hacking."

dt text .