Make ends meet

Upon my elbows I would lean, With easy quiet view the scene, Nor give my

tongue the rein until Each swaggering blade had talked his fill. Then smiling I

my beard would stroke, The while, with brimming glass, I spoke; "Each to his

taste! - but to my mind, Where in the country will you find, A maid, as my

dear Gretchen fair, Who with my sister can compare?" Cling! Clang! so rang

the jovial sound! Shouts of assent went circling round; Pride of her sex is she!

- cried some; Then were the noisy boasters dumb.

And now! - I could tear out my hair, Or dash my brains out in despair! Me