Part 8 (2/2)
What doth the leathern-a Monsieur Frere?
Si, sa, Monsieur Frere-- What doth the Monsieur Frere?
The Foxes-- He sits at home and oxt;[14]
He sits at home and oxt; He sits at home and leathern-a oxt; Si, sa, leathern-a oxt; He sits at home and oxt.
Ch.o.r.e-- And smokes the Fox tobac? etc.
The Foxes-- A little, gentlemen; A little, gentlemen; A little, n.o.ble gentlemen-- A little, gentlemen.
The Ch.o.r.e-- And doth the Fox drink beer? etc.
The Foxes-- A little, gentlemen; etc. as above.
While this is singing, a pipe is handed to such of the Foxes as have not come provided with this smoke-machine, that every one may give proof of his ability. Gla.s.ses of beer are also a.s.siduously handed to the poor foxes, in order to accustom them to the n.o.ble juice of the barley. The foxes in the end beginning to feel squeamish under the acc.u.mulated powers of smoke and beer, sing forth in the same style the sense of their uncomfortable feelings; on which the Ch.o.r.e, singing, gives them good advice, and presently afterwards they acknowledge in another stanza that they feel themselves better.
After the singing of all, or only some of the verses of this n.o.ble song, according to the decision of the president, he gives the sign that this ceremony is complete, and the new Foxes are perfectly initiated.
Then instantly commences the initiation of the Brand-Foxes. These have in the mean time made themselves fire-proof. They have put on great wigs of tow, thoroughly saturated with water. The moment that they appear in the hall, they are pursued by the a.s.sembled Burschen, who stand with huge spills ready lighted in their hands. Here and there fly the poor Foxes before their pursuers, who chase them like so many fiends from below with the flaming spills, and without mercy strike them over the head and face wherever it be possible. When the paper is burnt out, the fury of the pursuers ceases also, and the Fat Foxes are advanced to the rank of Brand-Foxes; a dignity which, in another half-year, they will change for that of Young Burschen. Then follow the ceremonies which they will at that time have to pa.s.s through, and which they who are already Brand-Foxes now pa.s.s through. It is this. Each Brand-Fox aspiring to _Pawk_, or drum, or fight himself into the rank of Young Bursche, chooses an old Bursche, who while officiating on this occasion is styled a Pawk-Bursche, and sitting down by his side, awaits the proceeding of the Commers. The president determines what song shall be sung; but he chooses one with numerous strophes. The following is the one generally sung in Heidelberg:--
FREE IS THE BURSCH!
Stosst an![15] Heidelberg live thou! Hurrah hoch!
The Philistine to us most kindly leans; He sees in the Bursche what freedom means.
Free is the Bursch!
Stosst an! Black--red--gold.[16] live ye! Hurrah, hoch!
He who guides the stars where on high they glow, 'Tis he who our banner bears below.
Free is the Bursch!
Stosst an! Fatherland live thou! Hurrah, hoch!
To our fathers' sacred customs be true, Yet think on our successors too.
Free is the Bursch!
Stosst an! Country's prince lives he! Hurrah, hoch!
He hath promised to guard our ancient right!
Therefore for him will we live and fight.
Free is the Bursch!
Stosst an! Woman's love! live it! Hurrah, hoch!
Who honours not woman and woman's mind, To friend and freedom is ill inclined.
Free is the Bursch!
Stosst an! Man's strength! live it! Hurrah, hoch!
He who can neither drink, love, nor sing, How scorneth the Bursche so mean a thing!
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