Collegia – Ode 3: Knock, Knock, Knock!

Knock, knock, knock,
On the tight-shut door, O ye!
And I couldn’t for decency utter
The thoughts that arise in me.

Oh, well for the slacker in bed
That he sleeps with the peace of the just!
Oh, well for them in the sick-room
That they out of their beds are not thrust!

But the jarring bells ring on
With their clanging and their din;
And oh, for an extra half hour
To loiter lying in!

Knock, knock, knock,
At the foot of the stairs for me!
But, if I don’t answer your summons, ah you
Will never come back for me!

2. 11. 1927