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Oh, look at the Kaiserblumen

That grow in the grass so thick!
Let's gather our arms full, Gretchen,
And take to the Emperor, quick!

"For never were any so beautiful,
Waving so blue and bright."
So all they could carry they gathered,
Dancing with their delight.

Then under the blazing sunshine,

They trudged o'er the long, white road That led to the Kaiser's palace,

With their gaily nodding load.

But long ere the streets of the city
They trod with their little feet,
As hot they grew, and as tired

As their corn-flowers bright and sweet.

And Gretchen's cheeks were rosy

With a weary travel stain,

And her tangled hair o'er her blue, blue

eyes

Fell down in a golden rain.

And at last, all the nodding blossoms
Their shining heads hung down;

But, "Cheer up, Gretchen!" cried little

Hans,

"We've almost reached the town.

"We'll knock at the door of the palace, And won't he be glad to see

The flowers we've brought so far for him? Think, Gretchen, how pleased he'll be!"

So they plodded patiently onward,
And with hands so soft and small,
They knocked at the palace portal,
And sweetly did cry and call:

"Please open the door, O Kaiser!
We've brought some flowers for you,

Our arms full of Kaiserblumen,
All gay and bright and blue!"

But nobody heeded or answered,
Till at last, a soldier grand

Bade the weary wanderers leave the gate,
With a gruff and stern command.

But, "No!" cried the children, weeping;
Though trembling and sore afraid,
And clasping their faded flowers,
"We must come in!" they said.

A lofty and splendid presence
The echoing stair came down ;
To know the King there was no need
That he should wear a crown.

And the children cried: "O Kaiser, We have brought your flowers so far! And we are so tired and hungry!

See, Emperor, here they are!'

They held up their withered posies,
While into the Emperor's face

A beautiful light came stealing,
And he stooped with a stately grace;

Taking the ruined blossoms,

With gentle words and mild,

He comforted with kindness

The heart of each trembling child.

And that was a wonderful glory
That the little ones befell!

And when their heads are hoary,
They still will the story tell,

How they sat at the Kaiser's table,
And dined with princes and kings,
In that far-off day of splendor,
Filled full of marvelous things!

And home, when the sun was setting,
The happy twain were sent,
In a gleaming, golden carriage,
With horses magnificent.

And like the wildest vision
Of fairy-land it seemed,
Hardly could Hans and Gretchen
Believe they had not dreamed.

And even their children's children
Eager to hear will be,

How they carried to Kaiser Wilhelm
The flowers of Germany.

THE MILLER, HIS SON AND THE DONKEY

RETOLD FROM ESOP

I.

A farm-yard on a spring morning. The old Miller, who is almost blind, comes from the house. His little son leads a playful donkey from the shed.

Miller.

Hast thou watered the beast, my son? Son. Ay, father, as well as I could. (Shakes water from his sleeve.)

Miller. How, now? At his old tricks again? (Feels his son's wet jacket.) It seems to me he has watered thee! (Looks carefully at the donkey.) Hast thou fed him?

Son. There was no need. He had been at the oats himself.

Miller. (Shaking his fist.) I'll stand this no longer! He'll be sold this day!

Son. O, let me take him to the fair! (Throws