Till Eulenspiegel

Eulenspiegel, merry lad, What a laughing life you had! Prank and jest were yours by right Or at noontime or at night, And the simple tricks you played On the spinster and the jade Only helped sad hearts to be Lighter through felicity. If you knocked upon the door Of a house you'd missed before, How the little home would wake, Laughing for your laughter's sake! Never since Time was begun Has Life frowned on harmless fun; Never has there been a day Filled to full of foolish play. Let the sober folk and dense Laugh at your young innocence; Tricks that they have never guessed (Many a little quip and jest) Play upon them till they take Long, long leave of grieving. Make Plots and plans of such design As will cause old eyes to shine. Trip your way into my heart, Eulenspiegel! Let me part With the sorrow and the tears That are marching down the years. Play your pranks with all of us, In that way felicitous, Till the darkness of our night Blooms with laughter and delight.