In Praise Of A Maiden

O sweet maiden, so fair and retiring,

    At the corner I'm waiting for you;

  And I'm scratching my head, and inquiring

    What on earth it were best I should do.

  Oh! the maiden, so handsome and coy,

    For a pledge gave a slim rosy reed.

  Than the reed is she brighter, my joy;

    On her loveliness how my thoughts feed!

  In the pastures a _t'e_ blade she sought,

    And she gave it, so elegant, rare.

  Oh! the grass does not dwell in my thought,

    But the donor, more elegant, fair.