[1]
By the sweat of thy brow
Thou wilt earn thy poor livelihood;
After long travail and service,
Lo! Death comes and calls thee.
[2]
Marie, my darling,
I have beautiful gifts to offer you.
Alas! my dear, pray let us in.
[4] My father grieves, my mother's deathly sad,
And I am too pitiful a daughter
To open my door at such an hour.
[5] I have a fine handkerchief to offer you.
[6] Open the door, yes, open,
Marie, my darling,
'Tis a handsome husband who comes to seek you.
Come, my dear, and let us let them in.
[7]
Thou wilt earn thy poor livelihood;
After long travail and service,
Lo! Death comes and calls thee.
[2]
The name applied to the road which turns aside from the main street at the entrance to a village and runs along its outskirts. It is supposed that people who fear that they may receive some merited affront will take that road to avoid being seen.—Author's Note.
[3] Open the door, yes, open,Marie, my darling,
I have beautiful gifts to offer you.
Alas! my dear, pray let us in.
[4] My father grieves, my mother's deathly sad,
And I am too pitiful a daughter
To open my door at such an hour.
[5] I have a fine handkerchief to offer you.
[6] Open the door, yes, open,
Marie, my darling,
'Tis a handsome husband who comes to seek you.
Come, my dear, and let us let them in.
[7]
Man of straw—from paille (straw).