Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

When The Fox Dies, His Skin Counts

WE young people in the shade Sat one sultry day; Cupid came, and "Dies the Fox" With us sought to play. Each one of my friends then sat By his mistress dear; Cupid, blowing out the torch, Said: "The taper's here!" Then we quickly sent around The expiring brand; Each one put it hastily ln his neighbour's hand. Dorilis then gave it me, With a scoffing jest; Sudden into flame it broke, By my fingers press'd. And it singed my eyes and face, Set my breast on fire; Then above my head the blaze Mounted ever higher. Vain I sought to put it out; Ever burned the flame; Stead of dying, soon the Fox Livelier still became. The title is the name of a game, known in English as \