University of Virginia Library


116

TELL ME, ILKA.

He.
Tell me, Ilka on the hill-top,
While the Alpine breezes blow,
Are thy golden locks as golden
As they were a year ago?

(Yodle)
Hohli-ohli-ohli-ho!
Hohli-ohli-ohli-ho! Hohlio-oh!
She.
Tell me, Hänsel in the valley,
While the merry cuckoos crow,
Is thy bristly beard as bristly
As it was a year ago?

Hohli-ohli-ohli-ho!
Hohli-ohli-ohli-ho! Hohlio-ho!
He.
Tell me, Ilka on the hill-top,
While the crimson glaciers glow,
Are thine eyes as blue and beaming
As they were a year ago?

Both.
Hohli-ohli, etc.


117

She.
Hänsel, Hänsel in the valley,
I will tell you, tell you true;
If mine eyes are blue and beaming,
What is that, I pray, to you?

Both.
Hohli-ohli, etc.

He.
Tell me, Ilka on the hill-top,
While the blushing roses blow,
Are thy lips as sweet for kissing
As they were a year ago?

Both.
Hohli-ohli, etc.

She.
Foolish Hänsel in the valley,
Foolish Hänsel, tell me true,
If my lips are sweet for kissing,
What is that, I pray, to you?

Both.
Hohli-ohli, etc.

He.
Tell me, Ilka on the hill-top,
While the rivers seaward flow,
Is thy heart as true and loving
As it was a year ago?

Both.
Hohli-ohli, etc.


118

She.
Dearest Hänsel in the valley,
I will tell you, tell you true:
Yes, my heart is ever loving,
True and loving unto you!

Both.
Hohli-ohli-ohli-ho!
Hohli-ohli-ohli-lo! Hohlio-oh!