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1828–1909

BEAUTY ROHTRAUT ( From Moricke )

George Meredith

What is the name of King Ringang's daughter? Rohtraut, Beauty Rohtraut! And what does she do the livelong day, Since she dare not knit and spin alway?

O hunting and fishing is ever her play! And, heigh! that her huntsman I might be! I'd hunt and fish right merrily! Be silent, heart!

And it chanced that, after this some time, - Rohtraut, Beauty Rohtraut, - The boy in the Castle has gained access, And a horse he has got and a huntsman's dress,

To hunt and to fish with the merry Princess; And, O! that a king's son I might be! Beauty Rohtraut I love so tenderly. Hush! hush! my heart.

Under a grey old oak they sat, Beauty, Beauty Rohtraut! She laughs:‘ Why look you so slyly at me? If you have heart enough, come, kiss me.’

Cried the breathless boy,‘ kiss thee?’ But he thinks, kind fortune has favoured my youth; And thrice he has kissed Beauty Rohtraut's mouth. Down! down! mad heart.

Then slowly and silently they rode home, - Rohtraut, Beauty Rohtraut! The boy was lost in his delight: ‘ And, wert thou Empress this very night,

I would not heed or feel the blight; Ye thousand leaves of the wild wood wist How Beauty Rohtraut's mouth I kiss'd. Hush! hush! wild heart.’

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BEAUTY ROHTRAUT ( From Moricke ) · George Meredith · Poetry Cove