Days of Childhood

We were children once together
In the time of summer weather,
And we scampered out to play:
Through the fields we took our way.
Violets grew in masses
There, 'mong grasses
Where the oxen tramp to-day.

Down we sank in grass and clover,
I remember, to discover
Which flower was the fairest one.
Then our childish faces shone,
With fresh garlands glancing
In our dancing.
So it is the seasons run!

Then, while yet the sun shone brightly,
Through the bush and brake we lightly
Ran among the fair beech trees,
Searching for wild strawberries.
There a keeper noted
Us, and shouted:
"Run home, children, if you please!"

So we stained ourselves all over,
Picking berries in the cover;
'Twas a childish pastime dear.
Then we heard a voice sound clear.
'Twas our shepherd, calling
Out and bawling:—
"Children, there are snakes in here!"

In the brushwood one child darted;
With a cry of fright it started:
"Oh, a snake ran there by me!
And it bit my horse; now he
Won't get well, no, never!
May it ever
Live in grief and misery!"

"Come now, do not be unruly!
Quick and leave the wood, or truly
Yours will be a woeful plight!
If you linger here till night,
Dearly you'll repent it
And lament it!
Run home, then, with all your might!

Once, you know, five maidens, straying
In the meadows, stopped there playing
Till the king had shut the door.
Then they wept in sorrow sore,
When the prison-warders
By his orders
Took off all the clothes they wore!"