The Hartz-Journey, 4

Shepherd boy’s a king,--on green hills
As a throne he sitteth down
O’er his head the sun all-radiant
Is his ever golden crown.

At his feet the sheep are lying,
Gentle fawners, streak’d with red;
Calves as cavaliers attend him,
Proudly o’er the pastures spread.

Kids are all his court-performers,
With the birds and cows as well,
And he has his chamber-music
To the sound of flute and bell.

And it sounds and sings so sweetly,
And the time so sweetly keep
Waterfall and nodding fir-trees,
And the king then goes to sleep.

In the meantime acts as ruler
His prime minister, the hound,
While his loud and surly barking
Echoes all the country round.

Sleepily the young king murmurs:
“’Tis a heavy task to reign;
“Ah! right gladly would I find me
“With my queen at home again!

“In my queen’s arms soft and tender
“Calmly rests my kingly head,
“And my vast and boundless kingdom
“In her dear eyes lies outspread.”