14
before the fray,
Take the brevier, my sires a prayer
short to say.
‖
―
Brevier?
‖ ―
Yes, the brevier!
‖
They
out of sight would shrink.
They search, they search.
―
Enough.
Let us begin to drink.
―
The bottles fetch! God knows I am
for it to blame.
My corkscrew I forgot - It really is a
shame!
‖
―
The corkscrew?
‖
In the pouches all
hands went, and there stored
More corkscrews could be found
than bottles on the board.
―
Bravo, my pious sires! This piece of
fun is odd,
I know it quite well the faithful
knights of God.
―
Bravo, my pious sires! God's
blessing without limit
In corkscrews! Say, my sires, why do
you look so timid?
‖
―
Cheer up! We have to-day no time
for woes and harms.
Till morrow - silence! Sires, fall in
and now to arms!.
graced.
―
Forget your breviaries! Why, who
would think
Such holy friars could do it? But let's
drink.
―
Ah! here's the bottle! Well, I do
declare,
My corkscrew I've forgot. Who's one
to spare?
‖
―
A corkscrew?
‖
Each monk dives
into his gown,
And each that handy implement lays
down.
―
Bravo! bravo!
‖
the worthy abbot
cries; I see on heavenly things you set
your eyes;
―
Ye're holy men and sure God hears
your prayers
If corkscrew 'tis ye ask. But have no
cares:
―
Cheer up! Be not cast down! Now
let that pass
Until to-morrows duties. Fill you
glass!
‖