The poetical works of John Godfrey Saxe Household Edition : with illustrations |
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THE GOLDSMITH'S DAUGHTER.
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 | The poetical works of John Godfrey Saxe |  |
THE GOLDSMITH'S DAUGHTER.
FROM THE GERMAN OF UHLAND.
I.
Up spoke the Goldsmith proudlyUnto his daughter fair:
“Ah! here are pearls and diamonds,
And rubies rich and rare;
But none with thee, my Helen,
In beauty can compare!”
II.
In came a knight so gayly,A youth of noble mien;
With “I would have a garland,
The finest e'er was seen:
Spare neither cost nor labor;
'T is for my bridal queen.”
III.
The work is done; and HelenCried, “Lucky bride is she
Who wears this splendid garland!
Ah! would he give to me
A simple wreath of roses,
How happy I should be!”
IV.
“'T is well,” the knight made answer,When he the wreath had seen;
“Now make a ring with diamonds,
And of the purest sheen:
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'T is for my bridal queen.”
V.
The work is done; and HelenCried, “Lucky bride is she
Who wears this blazing circlet!
Ah! would he give to me
One of his golden tresses,
How happy I should be!”
VI.
“'T is well,” the knight made answer;Then to the maid he cried,
“I fain would have these jewels
On thee, a moment, tried;
That I may judge the surer
If they become my bride.”
VII.
And soon her blushing foreheadWas with the garland graced;
And then upon her finger
The knight, in loving haste,
The ring of gold and diamonds
In merry triumph placed.
VIII.
“Ah! Helen, dearest Helen!”The happy lover cried;
“For thee they were intended,
My darling and my pride!
And by these jeweled tokens
I take thee for my bride!”
| The poetical works of John Godfrey Saxe | |