Chapter I

I live in an Inn, yet I never taste beer,
I never smoke, chew, or use snuff;
I am seen in high life, yet I'm true to my wife,
And now I have told you enough.

H

At the door of a hut I must stand, it is true,
Yet of the king's household I'm one;
I revel in heather all wet with the dew,
And yet I am never in fun.

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G

I grow in grace, yet gayety
Would have no place except for me;
I greet the gardener with a grin,
E'en though I lie the grave within.
I'm with the King, yet shun the Queen;
I walk in grey, ah! yes in green;
I gleam in gold, yet live in gloom,
And at a wedding kiss the groom.

F

I am in the farmer's field,
I am fresh in all his fruits;
I'm in all his forests wide,
But I'm not in his pursuits.

E

Twice told, I'm in Eternity,
And yet I live in time;
I eat and sleep in every place,
Yet soar in the sublime.