(_After a Gipsy Proverb_)
Here the gallows, there the cord,
And the hangman's ruddy beard.
Round, the venom-glancing horde:--
Nothing new to me's appeared.
Many times I've seen the sight,
Now laughing in your face I cry,
"Hanging me is useless quite:
Die? Nay, nay, I cannot die!"
Beggars all! Ye envy me
Winning what ye never won!
True, I suffer agony,
But for you--your life is done.
Many times I've faced death's plight,
Yet steam and light and breath am I.
Hanging me is useless quite:
Die? Nay, nay, I cannot die!