THE GOLDSMITH'S DAUGHTER by JOHANN LUDWIG UHLAND

I.

UP spoke the Goldsmith proudly
Unto his daughter fair:
"Ah! here are pearls and diamonds,
And rubies rich and rare;
But none with thee, my Helen,
In beauty can compare!"

II.

In came a knight so gayly,
A youth of noble mien;
With "I would have a garland,
The finest e'er was seen:
Spare neither cost nor labor;
'T is for my bridal queen."

III.

The work is done; and Helen
Cried, "Lucky bride is she
Who wears this splendid garland!
Ah! would he give to me
A simple wreath of roses,
How happy I should be!"

IV.

"'T is well," the knight made answer,
When he the wreath had seen;
"Now make a ring with diamonds,
And of the purest sheen:
Spare neither cost nor labor;
'T is for my bridal queen."

V.

The work is done; and Helen
Cried, "Lucky bride is she
Who wears this blazing circlet!
Ah! would he give to me
One of his golden tresses,
How happy I should be!"

VI.

"'T is well," the knight made answer;
Then to the maid he cried,
"I fain would have these jewels
On thee, a moment, tried;
That I may judge the surer
If they become my bride."

VII.

And soon her blushing forehead
Was with the garland graced;
And then upon her finger
The knight, in loving haste,
The ring of gold and diamonds
In merry triumph placed.

VIII.

"Ah! Helen, dearest Helen!"
The happy lover cried;
"For thee they were intended,
My darling and my pride!
And by these jeweled tokens
I take thee for my bride!"

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