Classic Poem

There rode through the country three gallants so fine,
They came to the Landlady, hard by the Rhine.

" Landlady, hast thou good ale and good wine?
And how is that beautiful daughter of thine? "

" My ale and my wine are fresh and clear,
But my dear little daughter lies dead on her bier. "

And when they were come to the chamber within,
All cold in her coffin, the maiden was seen.

The first, from her face the death-veil he took,
And looked at her long with a sorrowful look;

" O, would thou wert living, wert living! " he said,
" Henceforth I had loved thee, thou beautiful maid. "

But the second, he covers the face once more,
Then turns from the sight and weepeth sore;

" Ah! cold as thou liest there on thy bier,
I have loved thee, fair maiden, for many a year. "

But quickly the third, he raises the veil,
And kisses her mouth so pale, so pale;

" I always have loved thee, I love thee to-day,
And I swear I will love thee, for ever and aye! "