Eleanor, 20-July 28, Heidelberg, Cologne

July 28,

HEIDELBERG

I like to be in old Germany,.
I like to be upon the Rhine.
I like to be where the words fill your mouth,
As their printed letters fill a line.

I like to see the University,
Where the Heidelberg students go in and out.
I like to wander in the castle on the hill,
And, Himmel! How I like sauerkraut!

July 29

WIESBADEN

And now I feel the end is drawing near I shed a tear,
For four loved members of the party go, And so I know,
Into the fabric of my life is spun, Far more than one
Bright thread to make a pattern new and dear. Each passing year
The web has grown more drab and chill and grey, But here today
In this new wool I see an purple thread, And one of red.
And one as soft, as shimmering opalescent As the young crescent.
And now this gorgeous pattern's almost made When will it fade?

July 30

COLOGNE

The Rhine! The Rhine!
The mighty streamers floating on the Rhine!
With tourist parties crowding from the shore
With cargoes of Ruhr coal and iron ore,
With cargoes of Dutch cheese and Rhennish wine.

The Rhine! The Rhine!
The terraced vineyards growing by the Rhine,
With countless rocks to make a zig-zag wall.
And jutting crags projecting over all,
Each foot of soil provided with a vine.

The Rhine! The Rhine!
The ancient castles standing by the Rhine.
Some wholly ruined, crumbling in decay.
And some restored, inhabited today,
With clean lace curtains and a banner fair.

The Rhine! The Rhine!
The legends clinging round the river Rhine,
The mouse-tower where the bishop had to fly.
The town of Bingen, and the Lorelei,
Who combed her tresses in the evening shine.

The Rhine! The Rhine!
The ever-changing, never-changing Rhine.
A thousand years of shifting peace and strife,
Have made you part of this great nations life.
One day of joy has made you part of mine.