MY STEED IS AT THE GATE.
I
My steed is at the gate, my dear,
And I have woo'd thee long;
I've been thy partner in the dance,
I've listen'd to thy song:
I love thee, but I frankly own
That these delays I hate,
So give an answer to my suit,
My steed is at the gate!
II
I've idly loiter'd many days
In meadow and in grove;
At night beneath thy tower I've sung
The serenade of love.
But if I led so dull a life,
Thou soon would'st scorn thy mate.
I've woo'd thee long—thy answer, quick,
My steed is at the gate.
III
Say “yes,” and thou shalt ever find
A faithful knight in me.
But answer “no,” I will not vow
To pine and die for thee.
But say the final word at once,
I can no longer wait:
A smile have with thee to the church,
My steed is at the gate.
