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We went to the hills of the east, |
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And long were we there without returning, |
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When we came from the east, |
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Down came the rain drizzlingly. |
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When we were in the east, and it was said we should return, |
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Our hearts were in the west and sad; |
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But there were they preparing our clothes for us, |
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As to serve no more in the ranks with the gags. |
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Creeping about were the caterpillars, |
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All over the mulberry grounds; |
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And quietly and solitarily did we pass the night, |
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Under our carriages. |
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We went to the hills of the east, |
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And long were we there without returning, |
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When we came from the east, |
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Down came the rain drizzlingly. |
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The fruit of the heavenly gourd, |
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Would be hanging about our eaves; |
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The sowbug would be in our chambers; |
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The spiders webs would be in our doors; |
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Our paddocks would be deer-fields; |
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The fitful light of the glow-worms would be all about. |
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These thoughts made us apprehensive, |
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And they occupied our breasts. |
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We went to the hills of the east, |
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And long were we there without returning, |
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On our way back from the east, |
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Down came the rain drizzlingly. |
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The cranes were crying on the ant-hills; |
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Our wives were sighing in their rooms; |
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They had sprinkled and swept, and stuffed up all the crevices. |
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Suddenly we arrived from the expedition, |
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And there were the bitter gourds hanging, |
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From the branches of the chestnut trees. |
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Since we had seen such a sight, |
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Three years were now elapsed. |
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We went to the hills of the east, |
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And long were we there without returning, |
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On our way back from the east, |
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Down came the rain drizzlingly. |
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The oriole is flying about, |
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Now here, now there, are its wings. |
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Those young ladies are going to be married, |
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With their bay and red horses, flecked with white. |
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Their mothers have tied their sashes; |
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Complete are their equipments. |
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The new matches are admirable; -- |
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How can the reunions of the old be expressed? |