The humour of Germany; . row and chatter; And so (the deed I sHghtly rue) I killed them and their chickens too. Well, said the Wolf, to hush that din Was surely no alarming sin; Abstain from poultry for three days, And, if you like, amend your ways. But now the Ass must be confessed. Donkey ! how far have you transgressed ? Ah ! said the Ass, with dismal bray, You know I have not much to say; For I have toiled from day to day. And done for master service good. In carrying water, corn, and wood. But once, in winter time, tis true, I did what I perhaps must rue : A countryman, to keep him warm (
The humour of Germany; . row and chatter; And so (the deed I sHghtly rue) I killed them and their chickens too. Well, said the Wolf, to hush that din Was surely no alarming sin; Abstain from poultry for three days, And, if you like, amend your ways. But now the Ass must be confessed. Donkey ! how far have you transgressed ? Ah ! said the Ass, with dismal bray, You know I have not much to say; For I have toiled from day to day. And done for master service good. In carrying water, corn, and wood. But once, in winter time, tis true, I did what I perhaps must rue : A countryman, to keep him warm (We had just then a snowy storm). Had put some straw into his shoes ; To bite it I could not refuse; And so (for hunger was my law) I took, or stole, a single straw. There ! say no more ! the Fox exclaimed; For want of straw that man was lamed;His feet were bitten by the frost;Tis probable his life was theft and murder.—No reply !Your penance is, that you must die. Hugo von Trimberg (i260-1309). GERMAN THE GOAT RUNS ON AND NEVER TIRES. ST. PETERS LESSON, nPHE young goat had a playful mind,-*? And never liked to be confined ;The apostle, at a killing pace,Followed the goat, in a desperate chase jOver the hills and among the briersThe goat runs on and never tires, ST. PETERS LESSON. While Peter, behind, on the grassy plain, Runs on, panting and sighing, in vain. All day, beneath a scorching sun. The good apostle had to run Till evening came ; the goat was caught, And safely to the Master brought. Then, with a smile, to Peter said The Lord : Well, friend, how have you sped ; If such a task your powers has tried. How could you keep the world, so wide? Then Peter, with his toil distressed, His folly, with a sigh, confessed, No, Master ! tis for me no play To rule one goat for one short day ; It must be infinitely worse To regulate the universe. Hans Sachs (1494-15 76). GERMAN HUMOUR.
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