Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Hamilton Aïdé b. 1829

The Danube River

DO you recall that night in June,

Upon the Danube river?

We listen’d to a Ländler tune,

We watch’d the moonbeams quiver.

I oft since then have watch’d the moon,

But never, love, oh! never,

Can I forget that night in June,

Adown the Danube river.

Our boat kept measure with its oar,

The music rose in snatches,

From peasants dancing on the shore

With boisterous songs and catches.

I know not why that Ländler rang

Through all my soul—but never

Can I forget the songs they sang

Adown the Danube river.