:47:03
''There was a rustling
that seemed like a bustling...
:47:08
''of merry crowds jostling
and pitching and hustling.
:47:12
''Small feet were pattering,
wooden shoes clattering,
:47:16
''little hands clapping,
and little tongues chattering.
:47:20
''And like fowls in a farmyard
when barley is scattering,
:47:24
''out came the children running.
:47:27
''All the little boys and girls,
:47:31
''with rosy cheeks
and flaxen curls,
:47:34
''and sparkling eyes
and teeth like pearls,
:47:38
''tripping and skipping,
:47:41
''ran merrily after...
:47:44
''the wonderful music,
the shouting and laughter.''
:47:55
''When, lo, as they reached
the mountainside...''
:48:02
''a wondrous portal
opened wide...''
:48:06
''as if a cavern
were suddenly hollowed,
:48:09
''and the piper advanced
and the children followed.''
:48:15
''And when all were in
to the very last...''
:48:18
''the door in the mountainside
shut fast.''
:48:22
''Did l say all?
:48:25
''No. One was lame...''
:48:29
''and could not dance
the whole of the way.''
:48:32
''And in afteryears,
if you would blame his sadness,
:48:37
''he was used to say...''
:48:40
''lt's dull in our town
since my playmates left.''
:48:45
''l can't forget
that l'm bereft...
:48:47
''of all the pleasant sights
they see,
:48:50
''which the piper
also promised me.''
:48:55
''For he led us, he said,
to a joyous land...''
:48:59
''joining the town
and just at hand...''