MEYNHEER Hans Von Der Bloom has got A majazin in Kalverstraat, Where one may buy for sordid gold Wares quaint and curious, new and old.
Here are antiquities galore,— The jewels which Dutch monarchs wore, Swords, teacups, helmets, platters, clocks, Bright Dresden jars, dull Holland crocks,
And all those joys I might rehearse That please the eye, but wreck the purse. I most admired an ancient bed, With ornate carvings at its head,—
A massive frame of dingy oak, Whose curious size and mould bespoke Prodigious age. “How much?” I cried. “Ein tousand gildens,” Hans replied;
And then the honest Dutchman said A king once owned that glorious bed,— King Fritz der Foorst, of blessed fame, Had owned and slept within the same!
Then long I stood and mutely gazed, By reminiscent splendors dazed, And I had bought it right away, Had I the wherewithal to pay.
But, lacking of the needed pelf, I thus discoursed within myself: “O happy Holland! where's the bliss That can approximate to this
Possession of the rare antique Which maniacs hanker for and seek? My native land is full of stuff That's good, but is not old enough.
Alas! it has no oaken beds Wherein have slumbered royal heads, No relic on whose face we see The proof of grand antiquity.”
Thus reasoned I a goodly spell Until, perchance, my vision fell Upon a trademark at the head Of Fritz der Foorst's old oaken bed,—
A rampant wolverine, and round This strange device these words I found: “Patent Antique. Birkey & Gay, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U. S. A.”
At present I'm not saying much About the simple, guileless Dutch; And as it were a loathsome spot I keep away from Kalverstraat,
Determined when I want a bed In which hath slept a royal head I'll patronize no middleman, But deal direct with Michigan.
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