Hans and Fritz were two Deutschers who lived side by side, Remote from the world, its deceit and its pride: With their pretzels and beer the spare moments were spent, And the fruits of their labor were peace and content.

Hans purchased a horse of a neighbor one day, And, lacking a part of the Geld, — as they say, — Made a call upon Fritz to solicit a loan To help him to pay for his beautiful roan.

Yawcob Strauss and Other Poems/Hans and Fritz

Fritz kindly consented the money to lend, And gave the required amount to his friend; Remarking,—his own simple language to quote,— "Berhaps it vas bedder ve make us a note."

Yawcob Strauss and Other Poems/Hans and Fritz

The note was drawn up in their primitive way, —

"I, Hans, gets from Fritz feefty tollars to-day;" When the question arose, the note being made, "Vich von holds dot baper until it vas baid?"

Yawcob Strauss and Other Poems/Hans and Fritz

"You geeps dot," says Fritz, "und den you vill know

You owes me dot money." Says Hans, "Dot ish so: Dot makes me remempers I haf dot to bay, Und I prings you der note und der money some day."

A month had expired, when Hans, as agreed, Paid back the amount, and from debt he was freed. Says Fritz, " Now dot settles us." Hans replies, "Yaw: Now who dakes dot baper accordings by law ?"

"I geeps dot now, aind't it?" says Fritz ; " den, you see, I alvays remempers you baid dot to me." Says Hans, "Dot ish so: it vas now shust so blain, Dot I knows vot to do ven I porrows again."