'T was Pentecost, the Feast of Gladness,
When woods and fields put off all sadness.
       &nbsp Thus began the King and spake:
       &nbsp "So from the halls
Of ancient hofburg's walls,
       &nbsp A luxuriant Spring shall break."

Drums and trumpets echo loudly,
Wave the crimson banners proudly,
       &nbsp From balcony the King looked on;
In the play of spears,
Fell all the cavaliers,
       &nbsp Before the monarch's stalwart son.

To the barrier of the fight
Rode at last a sable Knight.
       &nbsp "Sir Knight! your name and scutcheon, say!"
"Should I speak it here,
Ye would stand aghast with fear;
       &nbsp I am a Prince of mighty sway!"

When he rode into the lists,
The arch of heaven grew black with mists,
       &nbsp And the castle 'gan to rock;
At the first blow,
Fell the youth from saddle-bow,
       &nbsp Hardly rises from the shock.

Pipe and viol call the dances,
Torch-light through the high halls glances;
       &nbsp Waves a mighty shadow in;
With manner bland
Doth ask the maiden's hand,
       &nbsp Doth with her the dance begin.

Danced in sable iron sark,
Danced a measure weird and dark,
       &nbsp Coldly clasped her limbs around;
From breast and hair
Down fall from her the fair
       &nbsp Flowerets, faded, to the ground.

To the sumptuous banquet came
Every Knight and every Dame,
       &nbsp 'Twixt son and daughter all distraught,
With mournful mind
The ancient King reclined,
       &nbsp Gazed at them in silent thought.

Pale the children both did look,
But the guest a beaker took:
       &nbsp "Golden wine will make you whole!"
The children drank,
Gave many a courteous thank:
       &nbsp "O, that draught was very cool!"
Each the father's breast embraces,
Son and daughter; and their faces
       &nbsp Colorless grow utterly;
Whichever way
Looks the fear-struck father gray,
       &nbsp He beholds his children die.

"Woe! the blessed children both
Takest thou in the joy of youth;
       &nbsp Take me, too, the joyless father!"
Spake the grim Guest,
From his hollow, cavernous breast;
       &nbsp "Roses in the spring I gather!"