Mine Everywhere

From Vuk’s Collection

“COME with me, thou charming maiden;

Be my love, and come with me.”

“Wherefore play with words so foolish?

That can never, never be.

I had rather in the tavern

Bear the brimming cup, than ever,

Ever promise to be thine.”

“I am the young tavern-keeper,

So thou wilt indeed be mine.”

“Wherefore play with words so foolish?

No such fate will e’er befall.

In the coffee-house I’d rather

Serve, enveloped in my shawl,

Rather than be thine at all.”

“But I am the coffee-boiler,

Thee, my maiden, will I call.”

“Wherefore play with words so foolish?

That can never, never be.

Rather o’er the field I’ll wander,

Changed into a quail, than ever,

Ever give myself to thee.”

“But I am a cunning sportsman,

And thou shalt belong to me.”

“Wherefore play with words so foolish?

That can never, never be.

Rather to a fish I’d change me,

Diving deep beneath the sea,

Rather than belong to thee.”

“But I am the finest network,

Which into the sea I’ll cast.

Mine thou art, and mine thou shalt be—

Yes, thou must be mine at last!

Be it here, or be it there,

Mine thou must be everywhere!”