The Goldsmith’s Apprenice
My neighbour,none can e’er deny,
Is a most beauteous[64]maid；
Her shop is ever in mine eye,
When working at my trade.
To ring and chain I hammer then
The wire of gold assay’d,
And think the while：“For Kate,oh when
Will such a ring be made?”
And when she takes her shutters[65]down，
Her shop at once invade,
To buy and haggle[66]，all the town，
For all that’s there displayd.
I file,and maybe overfile
The wire of gold assay’d;
My master grumbles[67]all the while，—
Her shop the mischief[68]made.
To ply her wheel she straight begins,
When not engaged in trade;
I know full well for what she spins,—
’Tis hope guides that dear maid.
Her leg,while her small foot treads on,
Is in my mind portray’d;
Her garter I recall anon[69]，—
I gave it that dear maid.
Then to her lips the finest thread
Is by her hand convey’d.
Were I there only in its stead,
How I would kiss the maid!
1808.