_A Ballad of Bungdom._ (_After Hans Breitmann's Ballad of the Mermaid._)
[Illustration]
Der noble Witler[A] BUNGO
Von Schvillenschviggenop,
Rode out mit shpeer und helmet,
Und he coom to de panks of de Schlopp,
[A] Licensed Victualler.
Und oop dere rose a Meer-maid
Vot hadn't got nodings on.
Und she say, "Oh, Witler BUNGO,
Vhere you goes mit yourself alone?"
Und he says, "I rides mine high-horse,
Mit helmet und mit shpeer,
Till I gooms unto mine Gasthaus,[B]
Vhere I sells goot wine und peer."
[B] Tavern, or Wine Shop.
Und den outspoke de Maiden
Vot hadn't got nodings on:
"I ton't dink mooch of beoplesh
Dat cares for demselfs alone.
You'd petter coom down to de Wasser,--
'Tis de pest trink ash you'll see,--
Und haf a wholesome tinner
Mit Schlopp-Vash, along mit me."
"Dere you sees de fisch a-schwimmin!
Und dere healthy efery one."
So sang dis Wasser-Maiden,
Vot hadn't got nodings on.
"Your shtrong tipplesh cost mooch money,
Dere ish death in de trinks you've sold;
Und you helps yourself, by doonder,
To de Vorkmansh hard-earned gold.
"Shoost look at doze sodden wretches,
Vhite schlafes of de Witler Rings!
From dere 'trunks' you vill your pockets,
Und you rob dem like efery dings.
"Vot _dey_ vantsh mit your schnaps[C] und lager,
Vitrioled gin and doctored wine?
Smash your pottles, and preak your parrels,
Und try dese Schlopps of mine!"
[C] Drams, drinks.
* * *
Vill _dat_ fetch him! He standsh as shpellbound!
She vould pool his coat-tails down.
She von't draw _him_ oonder der Wasser--
Dat Maiden mit nodings on!
* * * * *