Versos English Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Huckster-Witch

English poem

Huckster-Witch

by (1749–1832)

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Stop, gentlemen, nor pass me by, Of wares I have a choice collection: Pray honour them with your inspection. Lose not this opportunity Yet nothing in my booth you'll find Without its counterpart on earth; there's naught, Which to the world, and to mankind, Hath not some direful mischief wrought. No dagger here, which bath not flow'd with blood, No chalice, whence, into some healthy frame Hath not been poured hot poison's wasting flood. No trinket, but bath wrought some woman's shame, No weapon but bath cut some sacred tie, Or from behind bath stabb'd an enemy.