George Greflinger's significance as a poet is based on his ability to bridge the gap between Volkslied (popular song) and Kunstdichtung (literary poetry). He drew from the rich tradition of South German folk songs and poetry written for social occasions, and he purified their often clumsy and irregular formal conventions in accord with Martin Opitz's reform program. Greflinger sought to elevate and refine the popular traditions of poetry without succumbing to the artificiality and mannerism that characterized much of North German poetry. His poems express an exuberant zest for life and an effervescent cheerfulness. In a war-stricken era he described the sunny side of existence, the mirth and merriment of taverns and festivities, the light-hearted and frivolous pursuits of the younger generation. Greflinger was clearly a fun-loving, humorous man, but his cheerful disposition did not prevent him from writing some subtle and sensitive love poems. Most of them...