The Goldsmith's Apprentice.

My neighbour, none can e'er deny,     Is a most beauteous maid;     Her shop is ever in mine eye,     When working at my trade.     To ring and chain I hammer then     The wire of gold assay'd,     And think the while: "For Kate, oh when     Will such a ring be made?"     And when she takes her shutters down,     Her shop at once invade,     To buy and haggle, all the town,     For all that's there displayd.     I file, and maybe overfile     The wire of gold assay'd;     My master grumbles all the while,     Her shop the mischief made.     To ply her wheel she straight begins,     When not engaged in trade;     I know full well for what she spins,     'Tis hope guides that dear maid.     Her leg, while her small foot treads on,     Is in my mind portray'd;     Her garter I recall anon,     I gave it that dear maid.     Then to her lips the finest thread     Is by her hand convey'd.     Were I there only in its stead,     How I would kiss the maid!