Classic Poem

Out rode from his wild, dark castle
—The terrible Heinz von Stein;
He came to the door of a tavern,
—And gazed on the swinging sign.

He sat himself down at a table,
—And growled for a bottle of wine;
Up came with a flask and a corkscrew
—A maiden of beauty divine.

Then, seized with a deep love-longing,
—He uttered, “O damosel mine,
Suppose you just give a few kisses
—To the valorous Ritter von Stein!”

But she answered, “The kissing business
—Is entirely out of my line;
And I certainly will not begin it
—On a countenance ugly as thine!”

Oh, then the bold knight was angry,
—And cursed both coarse and fine;
And asked, “How much is the swindle
—For your sour and nasty wine?”

And fiercely he rode to the castle,
—And sat himself down to dine;
And this is the dreadful legend
—Of the terrible Heinz von Stein.