Part 10 (1/2)

Back he then repairs; See how swells the tide!

How each pail he bears Straightway is supplied!

Stop, for lo!

All the measure Of thy treasure Now is right!

Ah, I see it! woe, oh, woe!

I forget the word of might.

Ah, the word whose sound can straight Make him what he was before!

Ah, he runs with nimble gait!

Would thou wert a broom once more!

Streams renew'd forever Quickly bringeth he; River after river Rusheth on poor me!

Now no longer Can I bear him, I will snare him, Knavish sprite!

Ah, my terror waxes stronger!

What a look! what fearful sight!

Oh, thou villain child of h.e.l.l!

Shall the house through thee be drown'd?

Floods I see that widely swell, O'er the threshold gaining ground.

Wilt thou not obey, O thou broom accurs'd!

Be thou still, I pray, As thou wert at first!

Will enough Never please thee?

I will seize thee, Hold thee fast, And thy nimble wood so tough With my sharp axe split at last.

See, once more he hastens back!

Now, O Cobold, thou shalt catch it!

I will rush upon his track; Cras.h.i.+ng on him falls my hatchet.

Bravely done, indeed!

See, he's cleft in twain!

Now from care I'm freed, And can breathe again.

Woe oh, woe!

Both the parts, Quick as darts, Stand on end, Servants of my dreaded foe!

O ye G.o.ds, protection send!

And they run! and wetter still Grow the steps and grows the hall.

Lord and master, hear me call!

Ever seems the flood to fill.