!

At another time he has clasped it, but he trembles lest it should
escape him.

LOVE-DOUBTS.

No. 19.

With so sweet a promise given
All my bosom burneth;
Hope uplifts my heart to heaven,
Yet the doubt returneth,
Lest perchance that hope should be
Crushed and shattered suddenly.

On one girl my fancy so,
On one star, reposes;
Her sweet lips with honey flow
And the scent of roses:
In her smile I laugh, and fire
Fills me with her love's desire.

Love in measure over-much
Strikes man's soul with anguish;
Anxious love's too eager touch
Makes man fret and languish:
Thus in doubt and grief I pine;
Pain more sure was none than mine.

Burning in love's fiery flood,
Lo, my life is wasted!
Such the fever of my blood
That I scarce have tasted
Mortal bread and wine, but sup
Like a god love's nectar-cup.

The village dance forms an important element in the pleasures of the
season. Here is a pretty picture in two stanzas of a linden sheltering
some Suabian meadow.

THE VILLAGE DANCE.

No. 20.

Wide the lime-tree to the air
Spreads her boughs and foliage fair;
Thyme beneath is growing
On the verdant meadow-where
Dancers' feet are going.

Through the grass a little spring
Runs with jocund murmuring;
All the place rejoices;
Cooling zephyrs breathe and sing
With their summer voices.

I have freely translated a second, which presents a more elaborate
picture of a similar scene.

LOVE AMONG THE MAIDENS.

No. 21.

Yonder choir of virgins see
Through the spring advancing,
Where the sun's warmth, fair and free,
From the green leaves glancing,
Weaves a lattice of light gloom
And soft sunbeams o'er us,
'Neath the linden-trees in bloom,
For the Cyprian chorus.

In this vale where blossoms blow,
Blooming, summer-scented,
'Mid the lilies row by row,
Spreads a field flower-painted.
Here the blackbirds through the dale
Each to each are singing,
And the jocund nightingale
Her fresh voice is flinging.

See the maidens crowned with rose
Sauntering through the grasses!
Who could tell the mirth of those
Laughing, singing lasses?
Or with what a winning grace
They their charms discover,
Charms of form and blushi