“Max and Maurice”: Preface

Translated by Charles Timothy Brooks AH, how oft we read or hear of Boys we almost stand in fear of! For example, take these stories Of two youths, named Max and Maurice, Who, instead of early turning Their young minds to useful learning, Often leered with horrid features At their lessons and their teachers. Look now at the empty head: he Is for mischief always ready. Teasing creatures, climbing fences, Stealing apples, pears, and quinces, Is, of course, a deal more pleasant, And far easier for the present, Than to sit in schools or churches, Fixed like roosters on their perches. But O dear, O dear, O deary, When the end comes sad and dreary! ’T is a dreadful thing to tell That on Max and Maurice fell!

Collection: 
English
1852
Wilhelm Busch
Sub Title: 
Poems of Home: III. Fun for Little Folk

More from Poet

  • “Max and Maurice”: Last Trick

    Translated by Charles Timothy Brooks MAX and Maurice! I grow sick, When I think on your last trick. Why must these two scalawags Cut those gashes in the bags? See! the farmer on his back Carries corn off in a sack. Scarce has he begun to travel, When the corn runs out like gravel. All at once he...

  • “Max and Maurice”: Trick Third

    Translated by Charles Timothy Brooks THROUGH the town and country round Was one Mr. Buck renowned. Sunday coats, and week-day sack-coats, Bob-tails, swallow-tails, and frock coats, Gaiters, breeches, hunting-jackets; Waistcoats, with commodious pockets,— And other things, too long to mention,...

  • “Max and Maurice”: Trick Second

    Translated by Charles Timothy Brooks WHEN the worthy Widow Tibbets (Whom the cut below exhibits) Had recovered, on the morrow, From the dreadful shock of sorrow, She (as soon as grief would let her Think) began to think ’t were better Just to take the dead, the dear ones (Who in life were...

  • “Max and Maurice”: Trick First

    Translated by Charles Timothy Brooks TO most people who have leisure Raising poultry gives great pleasure; First, because the eggs they lay us For the care we take repay us; Secondly, that now and then We can dine on roasted hen; Thirdly, of the hen’s and goose’s Feathers men make various uses....

  • “Max and Maurice”: Preface

    Translated by Charles Timothy Brooks AH, how oft we read or hear of Boys we almost stand in fear of! For example, take these stories Of two youths, named Max and Maurice, Who, instead of early turning Their young minds to useful learning, Often leered with horrid features At their lessons and...