Part 511 (1/2)

Short is my course, during which I salute many princes and nations; Yet the princes are good--ay! and the nations are free.

ILM.

Poor are my banks, it is true; but yet my soft-flowing waters Many immortal lays here, borne by the current along.

PLEISSE.

Flat is my sh.o.r.e and shallow my current; alas, all my writers, Both in prose and in verse, drink far too deep of its stream!

ELBE.

All ye others speak only a jargon; 'mongst Germany's rivers None speak German but me; I but in Misnia alone.

SPREE.

Ramler once gave me language,--my Caesar a subject; and therefore I had my mouth then stuffed full; but I've been silent since that.

WESER.

Nothing, alas, can be said about me; I really can't furnish Matter enough to the Muse e'en for an epigram, small.

MINERAL WATERS AT ----.

Singular country! what excellent taste in its fountains and rivers In its people alone none have I ever yet found!

PEGNTTZ.

I for a long time have been a hypochondriacal subject; I but flow on because it has my habit been long.

THE ---- RIVERS.

We would gladly remain in the lands that own--as their masters; Soft their yoke ever is, and all their burdens are light.

SALZACH.

I, to salt the archbishopric, come from Juvavia's mountains; Then to Bavaria turn, where they have great need of salt!

THE ANONYMOUS RIVER.

Lenten food for the pious bishop's table to furnish, By my Creator I'm poured over the famis.h.i.+ng land.

LES FLEUVES INDISCRETS.