A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields/The Message (Henri Heine)
For other English-language translations of this work, see Die Botschaft.
THE MESSAGE.
To horse, my squire! to horse, and quick!
Be winged like the hurricane,
Fly to the chateau on the plain,
And bring me news, for I am sick.
Glide 'mid the steeds and ask a groom,
After some talk, this simple thing—
Of the two daughters of our king
Who is to wed, and when, and whom?
And if he tell thee 'tis the brown,
Come sharply back and let me know;
But if the blonde, ride soft and slow:
The moonlight's pleasant on the down.
And as thou comest, faithful squire,
Get me a rope from shop or store,
And gently enter through this door,
And speak no word, but swift retire.