“Some people weep, some whisper,
While others loudly sing;
Some whimper psalms in churches
It makes my eardrums ring.
“The things for which they ask me
Can hardly be compiled,
And if I were to grant them
’Twould almost drive me wild.
“Some pray for health—or children,
Or something good to eat—
While others, who are lazy,
For easy jobs entreat.
“One begs me watch his meadow
Or help him with his plow—
Another asks my service
As midwife to his cow.
“One peasant asks for showers,
He wants his flax to grow—
Another one wants sunshine,
His grass is ripe to mow.
“One wants it hot, another cold;
One wet, another dry—
One wants the price of corn low,
Another wants it high.
“But that I raised old women
Fills me with bitter gall—
Their obstinate annoyance
Tempts me to starve them all.
[29]
