Part 7 (2/2)

He's surely not alone to-day: He'll be with Curly-head, I heard him say.

A STUDENT

Deuce! how they step, the buxom wenches!

Come, Brother! we must see them to the benches.

A strong, old beer, a pipe that stings and bites, A girl in Sunday clothes,-these three are my delights.

CITIZEN'S DAUGHTER

Just see those handsome fellows, there!

It's really shameful, I declare;- To follow servant-girls, when they Might have the most genteel society to-day!

SECOND STUDENT (to the First)

Not quite so fast! Two others come behind,- Those, dressed so prettily and neatly.

My neighbor's one of them, I find, A girl that takes my heart, completely.

They go their way with looks demure, But they'll accept us, after all, I'm sure.

THE FIRST

No, Brother! not for me their formal ways.

Quick! lest our game escape us in the press: The hand that wields the broom on Sat.u.r.days Will best, on Sundays, fondle and caress.

CITIZEN

He suits me not at all, our new-made Burgomaster!

Since he's installed, his arrogance grows faster.

How has he helped the town, I say?

Things worsen,-what improvement names he?

Obedience, more than ever, claims he, And more than ever we must pay!

BEGGAR (sings)

Good gentlemen and lovely ladies, So red of cheek and fine of dress, Behold, how needful here your aid is, And see and lighten my distress!

Let me not vainly sing my ditty; He's only glad who gives away: A holiday, that shows your pity, Shall be for me a harvest-day!

ANOTHER CITIZEN

On Sundays, holidays, there's naught I take delight in, Like gossiping of war, and war's array, When down in Turkey, far away, The foreign people are a-fighting.

One at the window sits, with gla.s.s and friends, And sees all sorts of s.h.i.+ps go down the river gliding: And blesses then, as home he wends At night, our times of peace abiding.

THIRD CITIZEN

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