The Message

(From Heine)

     Up, dear laddie, saddle quick,
          And spring upon the leather!
     Away post haste o'er fell and waste
          With whip and spur together!

     And when you win to Duncan's kin
          Draw one of them aside
     And shortly say, "Which daughter may
          We welcome as the bride?"

     And if he says, "It is the dark,"
          Then quickly bring the mare,
     But if he says, "It is the blonde,"
          Then you have time to spare;

     But buy from off the saddler man
          The stoutest cord you see,
     Ride at your ease and say no word,
          But bring it back to me.