The Poetry Corner

Breitmanns Last Ballads - The Gypsy Lover

By Charles G. Leland

Dot vos a schwartz Zigeuner Dot on a viddle played, Und oonderneat a fenster He makt a serenade. Dot vos a lofely gountess Who heardt de gypsy blayn. Said she, Who make dot musik Vot sound so wunderscheen? Dot vos de schwartz Zigainer Who vos fery quick to twig; Und he song a mournvoll pallad How his hearts vos prokenbig! Dot vos de lofely gountess Said, Dell me who you are? He saidt, Mein name is Janosch, De Lord of Temesvar. Dot vos de lofely gountess Said, Come more near to me, I vants to dalk on pizness: Ill trow you down de key. Dot vos de moon kept lightin De gountess in her room, Boot somedings moost have vrighten De minstrel tid not coom. Dot vos a treadfool oudgry Ven early in de morn Dey foundt de hens vos missin, Und all de wash vos gone! Dot vos a schwartz Zigeuner Vot sot oopon de dirt A-eatin roasted schickens All in a new glean shirt.