Classic Poem

Three students had crossed o'er the Rhine's dark tide;
At the door of a hostel they turned aside.

" Hast thou, Dame hostess, good ale and wine?
And where is thy daughter so sweet and fine? "

" My ale and my wine are cool and clear;
On her death-bed lieth my daughter dear "

And when to the chamber they made their way,
In a sable coffin the damsel lay.

The first — the veil from her face he took,
And gazed upon her with mournful look.

" Alas! fair maiden — didst thou still live,
To thee my love would I henceforth give! "

The second — he lightly replaced the shroud,
Then round he turned him, and wept aloud: —

" Thou liest alas! on thy death-bed here,
I loved thee fondly for many a year! "

The third — he lifted again the veil,
And gently he kissed those lips so pale;

" I love thee non , as I loved of yore ,
And thus will I love thee for evermore! "