The Rat-Catcher.

I am the bard known far and wide,     The travell'd rat-catcher beside;     A man most needful to this town,     So glorious through its old renown.     However many rats I see,     How many weasels there may be,     I cleanse the place from ev'ry one,     All needs must helter-skelter run.     Sometimes the bard so full of cheer     As a child-catcher will appear,     Who e'en the wildest captive brings,     Whene'er his golden tales he sings.     However proud each boy in heart,     However much the maidens start,     I bid the chords sweet music make,     And all must follow in my wake.     Sometimes the skilful bard ye view     In the form of maiden-catcher too;     For he no city enters e'er,     Without effecting wonders there.     However coy may be each maid,     However the women seem afraid,     Yet all will love-sick be ere long     To sound of magic lute and song.