The Inn of Care

AT Nebra, by the Unstrut,— 
So travellers declare,— 
There stands an ancient tavern, 
It is the “Inn of Care.” 
To all the world ’t is open;
It sets a goodly fare; 
And every soul is welcome 
That deigns to sojourn there. 
 
The landlord with his helpers, 
(He is a stalwart host), 
To please his guest still labors 
With “bouilli” and with “roast;” 
And ho! he laughs so roundly, 
He laughs, and loves to boast 
That he who bears the beaker
May live to share the “toast.” 
 
Lucus a non lucendo— 
Thus named might seem the inn, 
So careless is its laughter, 
So loud its merry din; 
Yet ere to doubt its title 
You do, in sooth, begin, 
Go, watch the pallid faces 
Approach and pass within. 
 
To Nebra, by the Unstrut,
May all the world repair, 
And meet a hearty welcome, 
And share a goodly fare; 
The world! ’t is worn and weary— 
’T is tir’d of gilt and glare;
The inn! ’t is nam’d full wisely, 
It is the “Inn of Care.