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!