Classic Poem

Sie sassen und tranken am Theetisch

'Twas tea-time — the mildly esthetic
Ensemble took " Love " as their theme;
The mood of the guests was " poetic";
They gushed like a lyrical stream.

" True love must be always platonic, "
A hardened old councilor cried.
With a laugh that was almost ironic
His wife looked upward and sighed.

A canon spoke, " We must resist 'em,
These pleasures that rouse and harass,
Or else they will ruin the system. "
And a pretty young thing lisped, " Alas. "

The countess, drooping and yearning,
Said, " Love must sweep on like the sea! "
As, elegantly turning,
She handed the baron his tea.

Still, it was not quite complete, dear —
Your place stood empty above.
And oh, it would have been sweet, dear,
To hear you prattle of love.


Translated by Louis Untermeyer