THE THREE TAILORS. (From the German of C. Herlossohn.)

I shall tell you in rhyme how, once on a time,
Three tailors tramped up to the Inn Ingleheim
On the Rhine -- lovely Rhine;
They were broke, but, the worst of it all, they were curst
With that malady common to tailors -- a thirst
For wine -- lots of wine!

"Sweet host," quoth the three, "we're as hard up as can be,
Yet skilled in the practice of cunning are we
On the Rhine -- genial Rhine;
And we pledge you we will impart you that skill
Right quickly and fully, providing you'll fill
Us with wine -- cooling wine!"

But that host shook his head, and warily said:
"Though cunning be good, we take money instead,
On the Rhine -- thrifty Rhine;
If ye fancy ye may without pelf have your way
You'll find there's both host and the devil to pay
For your wine -- costly wine!"

Then the first knavish wight took his needle so bright
And threaded its eye with a wee ray of light
From the Rhine -- sunny Rhine;
And in such a deft way patched a mirror that day
That where it was mended no expert could say --
Done so fine -- 'twas for wine!

The second thereat spied a poor little gnat
Go toiling along on his nose broad and flat
Toward the Rhine -- pleasant Rhine;
"Aha, tiny friend, I should hate to offend,
But your stockings need darning," which same did he mend,
All for wine -- soothing wine!

And next there occurred what you'll deem quite absurd --
His needle a space in the wall thrust the third,
By the Rhine -- wondrous Rhine;
And then, all so spry, he leapt through the eye
Of that thin cambric needle; nay, think you I'd lie
About wine? Not for wine!

The landlord allowed (with a smile) he was proud
To do the fair thing by that talented crowd
On the Rhine -- generous Rhine!
So a thimble filled he as full as could be;
"Drink long and drink hearty, my jolly guests three,
Of my wine -- filling wine! "

End of title