The Works of J. W. von Goethe/Volume 9/The Rat-Catcher
THE RAT-CATCHER.
I am the bard known far and wide,
The travelled rat-catcher beside;
A man most needful to this town,
So glorious through its old renown.
However many rats I see,
How many weasels there may be,
I cleanse the place from every one,
All needs but helter-skelter run.
Sometimes the bard so full of cheer
As a child-catcher will appear,
Who e'en the wildest captive brings,
Whene'er his golden tales he sings.
However proud each boy in heart,
However much the maidens start,
I bid the chords sweet music make,
And all must follow in my wake.
Sometimes the skilful bard ye view
In form of maiden-catcher, too;
For he no city enters e'er,
Without effecting wonders there.
However coy may be each maid,
Howe'er the women seem afraid,
Yet all will love-sick be ere long
To sound of magic lute and song.
[Da Capo.]