As once I rambled in the woods br I chanced to spy amid the brake br A huntsman ride his way beside br A fair and passing tranquil lake; br Though velvet bucks sped here and there, br He let them scamper through the green-- br Not one smote he, but lustily br He blew his horn--what could it mean? br br As on I strolled beside that lake, br A pretty maid I chanced to see br Fishing away for finny prey, br Yet not a single one caught she; br All round her boat the fishes leapt br And gambolled to their hearts' content, br Yet never a thing did the maid but sing-- br I wonder what on earth it meant.