LESSON 58 WORDS

WORDS

maid im-pris-oned pleas-ant oth-ers

1. Do you know, little maid, when you open your mouth

　That away to the east, to the west, north, and south,

　On the wings of the wind 〔1〕 , just like bees or like birds,

　Fly the tones of your voice and the sound of your words?

2. Do you know, little maid, that your mouth is a door—

　All the words you may say, all you have said before,

　Were imprisoned 〔2〕 within? Some are sweet, pleasant words,

　Which, when they get out, will sing just like birds.

3. There are others so cross, that they never can please;

　And when they get out they will sting just like bees.

　Watch them dose, little maid: when cross words are about,

　Shut the door 〔3〕 very tight and don't let them get out.

注释

〔1〕 On the wings of the wind: Carried by the wind.

〔2〕 imprisoned: Kept fast as prisoners.

〔3〕 Shut the door: Close your mouth.