Johann Wilhelm Ludwig Gleim: “The Invitation”

eng-schl-cottage.

The Invitation

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I have a cottage by the hill;

It stands upon a meadow green;

Behind it flows a murmuring rill;

Cool-rooted moss and flowers between.

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Beside the cottage stands a tree,

That flings its shadow o’er the eaves;

And scarce the sunshine visits me,

Save when a light wind rifts the leaves.

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A nightingale sings on a spray

Through the sweet summer time night-long,

And evening travelers on their way,

Linger to hear her plaintive song.

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Thou maiden with the yellow hair,

The winds of life are sharp and chill;

Wilt thou not seek a shelter there,

In yon lone cottage by the hill?

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