gypsies

With gypsies and sailors,

Wanderers of the hills and seas,

And say it frankly without guile,

Then you are Gypsies in a mask,

And I the lady all the while.

Down in the valley, what should meet him

But a troop of gypsies on their march?

No doubt with the annual gifts to greet him.

Now, in your land, gypsies reach you only 350

After reaching all lands beside;

Wishing your father were some Christian Duke,

Who could hang Gypsies when their task was done,

While you, his daughter, were not bound to care ?

Now, too, when Spanish hands are scanty. What,

Turn Gypsies loose instead of hanging them !

’T is flat against the edict. Nay, perchance

And chaffers with the Levite for the gold;

Holds Gypsies beasts unfit for sacrifice,