第5章

THEMAIDOFTHEMILL’SREPENTANCE。

YOUTH。

AWAY，thouswarthywitch！GoforthFromoutmyhouse，Itellthee！

OrelseIneedsmust，inmywrath，Expelthee！

What’sthisthousingestsofalsely，forsooth，Ofloveandamaiden’ssilenttruth？

Who’lltrusttosuchastory！

GIPSY。

Isingofamaid’srepentantfears，Andlongandbitteryearning。

Herlevity’schangedtotruthandtearsAll-burning。

Shedreadsnomorethethreatsofhermother，Shedreadsfarlesstheblowsofherbrother，Thanthedearlyloved-one’shatred。

YOUTH。

Ofselfishnesssingandtreacherouslies，Ofmurderandthievishplunder！

Suchactionsfalsewillcausenosurprise，Orwonder。

Whentheysharetheirbooty，bothclothesandpurse，——

Asbadasyougipsies，andevenworse，Suchtalesfindreadycredence。

GIPSY。

Alas，alas！ohwhathaveIdone？

Canlisteningaughtavailme？

Ihearhimtowardmyroomhastenon，Tohailme。

Myheartbeathigh，tomyselfIsaid：

’Owouldthatthouhadstneverbetray’dThatnightoflovetothymother！’

YOUTH。

Alas！Ifoolishlyventuredthere，Forthecheatingsilencemisledme。

Ah，sweetest！letmetotheerepair，——

Nordreadme！

Whensuddenlyroseafearfuldin，Hermadrelationscamepouringin。

Mybloodstillboilsinmybody！

GIPSY。

Ohwhenwillreturnanhourlikethis？

Ipineinsilentsadness。

I’vethrownawaymyonlytrueblissWithmadness。

Alas，poormaid！Opitymyyouth！

MybrotherwasthenfullcruelintrothTotreatthelovedonesobasely！

THEPOET。

Theswarthywomanthenwentinside，Tothespringinthecourtyardyonder。

Hereyesfromtheirstainshepurified，And，——wonder！——

Herfaceandeyeswereradiantandbright，AndthemaidofthemillwasdisclosedtothesightOfthestartledandangrystripling！

THEMAIDOFTHEMILL。

Thousweetest，fairest，dearly-lovedlife！

BeforethineangerIcower。

ButblowsIdreadnot，norsharp-edgedknife，——

ThishourOfsorrowandlovetotheeI’llsing，AndmyselfbeforethyfeetI’llfling，Andeitherliveordiethere！

YOUTH。

Affection，say，whyburiedsodeepInmyhearthastthoulainhidden？

BywhomhastthounowtoawakefromthysleepBeenbidden？

Ahlove，thatthouartimmortalIsee！

NorknavishcunningnortreacheryCandestroythylifesogodlike。

THEMAIDOFTHEMILL。

Ifstillwithasfondandheartfeltlove，Asthouoncedidstswear，I’mcherish’d，ThennoughtoftheraptureweusedtoproveIsperish’d。

Sotakethewomansodeartothybreast！

Inheryoungandinnocentcharmsbeblest，Forallarethinefromhenceforward！

BOTH。

Now，sun，sinktorest！Now，sun，arise！

Yestars，benowshining，nowdarkling！

Astaroflovenowgleamsintheskies，All-sparkling！

Aslongasthefountainmayspringandrun，Solongwillwetwobeblendedinone，Uponeachother’sbosoms！

1797——

THETRAVELLERANDTHEFARM~MAIDEN。

HE。

CANSTthougive，ohfairandmatchlessmaiden，’Neaththeshadowofthelindensyonder，——

WhereI’dfainonemomentceasetowander，——

Foodanddrinktoonesoheavyladen？

SHE。

Wouldstthoufindrefreshment，travellerweary，Bread，ripefruitandcreamtomeetthywishes，——

NonebutNature’splainandhomelydishes，——

Nearthespringmaysoothethywanderingsdreary。

HE。

Dreamsofoldacquaintancenowpassthroughme，Ne’er-forgottenqueenofhoursofblisses。

LikenessesI’veoftenfound，butthisisOnethatquiteamarvelseemethtome！

SHE。

Travellersoftenwonderbeyondmeasure，Buttheirwondersoonseecausetosmother。

Fairanddarkareoftenlikeeachother，Bothinspirethemindwithequalpleasure。

HE。

NotnowforthefirsttimeIsurrenderTothisform，inhumbleadoration。

ItwasbrightestmidsttheconstellationInthehailadorn’dwithfestalsplendour。

SHE。

Bethoujoyfulthat’tisinmypowerTocompletethystrangeandmerrystory！

Silksbehindher，fullofpurpleglory，Floated，whenthousaw’stherinthathour。

HE。

No，intruth，thouhastnotsungitrightly！

Spiritsmayhavetoldtheeallaboutit。

Pearlsandgemstheyspokeof，donotdoubtit，——

Byhergazeeclipsed，——itgleam’dsobrightly！

SHE。

ThisonethingIcertainlycollected：

Thatthefairone——(saynought，Ientreatthee！)

Fondlyhopingonceagaintomeetthee，Manyacastleintheairerected。

HE。

ByeachwindIceaselesslywasdriven，Seekinggoldandhonour，too，tocapture！

Whenmywand’ringsend，thenoh，whatrapture，Iftofindthatformagain’tisgiven！

SHE。

’Tisthedaughteroftheracenowbanish’dThatthouseest，notherlikenessonly。

Helenandherbrother，gladthoughlonely，Tillthisfarmoftheirestatenowvanish’d。

HE。

ButtheownersurelyisnotwantingOftheseplains，withev’rybeautyteeming？

Verdantfields，broadmeads，andpasturesgleaming，Gushingsprings，allheav’nlyandenchanting。

SHE。

Thoumusthunttheworldthrough，wouldstthoufindhim！——

Wehavewealthenoughinourpossession，Andintendtopurchasethesuccession，Whenthegoodmanleavestheworldbehindhim。

HE。

Ihavelearnttheowner’sowncondition，And，fairmaiden，thouindeedcanstbuyit。

Butthecostisgreat，Iwon’tdenyit，——

Helenistheprice，——withthypermission！

SHE。

Didthenfateandrankkeepusasunder，AndmustLovetakethisroad，andnoother？

Yondercomesmydearandtrustybrother。

Whatwillhesaytoitall，Iwonder？

1803。*——

EFFECTSATADISTANCE。

THEqueenintheloftyhalltakesherplace，Thetapersaroundherareflaming。

Shespeakstothepage：WithanimblepaceGo，fetchmemypurseforgaming。

’Tislying，I’llpledge，Onmytable’sedge。

Eachnervethenimbleboystraineth，Andtheendofthecastlesoongaineth。

ThefairestofmaidenswassippingsherbetBesidethequeenthatminute。

Nearhermouthbrokethecup，——andshegotsowet！

Theverydevilseem’dinitWhatfearfuldistress’Tisspoilt，hergaydress。

Shehastens，andev’rynervestraineth，Andtheendofthecastlesoongaineth。

Theboywasreturning，andquicklycame，Andmetthesorrowingmaiden。

Noneknewofthefact，——andyetwithLove’sflame，Thosetwohadtheirheartsfullladen。

And，ohtheblissOfamomentlikethis！

Eachfallsonthebreastoftheother，Withkissesthatwellnighmightsmother。

Theytearthemselvesasunderatlast，Toherchambershehastensquickly，Toreachthequeenthepagehieshimfast，Midsttheswordsandthefanscrowdedthickly。

ThequeenspiedamainOnhiswaistcoatastain。

Fornoughtwasinscrutabletoher，LikeSheba’squeen——Solomon’swooer。

ToherchiefattendantsheforthwithcriedWelatelytogethercontended，Andthoudidstassert，withobstinatepride，Thatthespiritthroughspaceneverwended，——

ThattracesaloneBythepresentwereshown，——

Thatafarnoughtwasfashion’d——notevenBythestarsthatillumineyouheaven。

Nowsee！whileagobletbesidemetheydrain’d，Theyspiltallthedrinkinthechalice。

Andstraightwaytheboyhadhiswaistcoatstain’dAtthefurthermostendofthepalace——

Letthemnewlybeclad！

AndsinceIamgladThatitservedasaproofsodecided，Thecostwillbymebeprovided。

1808——

THEWALKINGBELL

ACHILDrefusedtogobetimesTochurchlikeotherpeople。

Heroam’dabroad，whenrangthechimesOnSundaysfromthesteeple。

Hismothersaid：Loudringsthebell，Itsvoicene’erthinkofscorning。

Unlessthouwiltbehavetheewell，’Twillfetchtheewithoutwarning。

Thechildthenthought：HighoverheadThebellissafesuspended——

SotothefieldshestraightwayspedAsif’twasschool-timeended。

Thebellnowceas’dasbelltoring，Rousedbythemother’stwaddle。

Butsoonensuedadreadfulthing！——

Thebellbeginstowaddle。

Itwaddlesfast，thoughstrangeitseem。

Thechild，withtremblingwonder，Runsoff，andflies，asinadream。

Thebellwoulddrawhimunder。

Hefindsthepropertimeatlast，AndstraightwaynimblyrushesTochurch，tochapel，hasteningfastThroughpastures，plains，andbushes。

EachSundayandeachfeastaswell，Hislatedisasterheedshe。

Themomentthathebearsthebell，Noothersummonsneedshe。

1813——

FAITHFULECKART，OH，wouldwewerefurther！Oh，wouldwewerehome，Thephantomsofnighttow’rdushastilycome，ThebandoftheSorceresssisters。

Theyhitherwardspeed，andonfindingushere，They’lldrink，thoughwithtoilwehavefetch’dit，thebeer，Andleaveusthepitchersallempty。

Thusspeaking，thechildrenwithfeartaketoflight，Whensuddenanoldmanappearsintheirsight：

Bequiet，child！children，bequiet！

Fromhuntingtheycome，andtheirthirsttheywouldstill，Soleavethemtoswallowasmuchastheywill，AndtheEvilOnesthenwillbegracious。

Assaid，so’twasdone！andthephantomsdrawnear，Andshadowlikeseemthey，andgreytheyappear，~YetblithelytheysipandtheyrevelThebeerhasallvanish’d，thepitchersarevoid。

Withcriesandwithshoutsthewildhunters，o’erjoy’d，Speedonwardo’ervaleando’ermountain。

Thechildreninterrorflynimblytow’rdhome，Andwiththemthekindoneiscarefultocome：

Mydarlings，oh，benotsomournful！——

They’llblameusandbeatus，untilwearedead——

No，no！yewillfindthatallgoeswell，hesaid。

Besilentasmice，then，andlisten！

Andhebywhosecounselsthuswiselyye’retaught，Ishewhowithchildrenlovesevertosport。

ThetrustyandfaithfuloldEckart。

Yehaveheardofthewonderformanyaday，Butne’erhadaproofofthemarvellouslay，——

Yourhandsholdaproofmostconvincing。

Theyarriveattheirhome，andtheirpitcherstheyplaceBythesideoftheirparents，withfearontheirface，Awaitingabeatingandscolding。

Butseewhatthey’retasting：thechoicestofbeer！

ThoughthreetimesandfourtimestheyquaffthegoodcheerThepitchersremainstillunemptied。

Themarvelitlaststillthedawningofday。

Allpeoplewhohearofitdoubtlesswillsay：

Whathappen’datlengthtothepitchers？

Insecretthechildrentheysmile，astheywait。

Atlast，though，theystammer，andstutter，andprate，Andstraightwaythepitcherswereempty。

Andif，children，withkindnessaddress’dyemaybe，Whetherfather，ormaster，oraldermanhe，Obeyhim，andfollowhisbidding！

Andif’tisunpleasanttobridlethetongue，Yettalkingisbad，silencegoodfortheyoung——

Andthenwillthebeerfillyourpitchers！

1813——

THEDANCEOFDEATH。

THEwarderlooksdownatthemidhourofnight，Onthetombsthatliescatter’dbelow：

Themoonfillstheplacewithhersilverylight，Andthechurchyardlikedayseemstoglow。

Whensee！firstonegrave，thenanotheropeswide，Andwomenandmensteppingfortharedescried，Incerementssnow-whiteandtrailing。

Inhasteforthesportsoontheiranklestheytwitch，Andwhirlroundindancessogay。

Theyoungandtheold，andthepoor，andtherich，Butthecerementsstandintheirway。

Andasmodestycannotavailthemaughthere，Theyshakethemselvesall，andtheshroudssoonappearScatter’doverthetombsinconfusion。

Nowwagglestheleg，andnowwrigglesthethigh，Asthetroopwithstrangegesturesadvance，Andarattleandclatteranonriseshigh，Asofonebeatingtimetothedance。

Thesighttothewarderseemswondrouslyqueer，WhenthevillainousTempterspeaksthusinhisear：

Seizeoneoftheshroudsthatlieyonder！

Quickasthoughtitwasdone！andforsafetyhefledBehindthechurch-doorwithallspeed。

ThemoonstillcontinuesherclearlighttoshedOnthedancethattheyfearfullylead。

Butthedancersatlengthdisappearonebyone，Andtheirshrouds，eretheyvanish，theycarefullydon，Andundertheturfallisquiet。

Butoneofthemstumblesandshufflestherestill，Andgropesatthegravesindespair。

Yet’tisbynocomradehe’streatedsoillTheshroudhesoonscentsintheair。

Soherattlesthedoor——forthewarder’tiswellThat’tisbless’d，andsoablethefoetorepel，Allcover’dwithcrossesinmetal。

Theshroudhemusthave，andnorestwillallow，Thereremainsforreflectionnotime。

OntheornamentsGothicthewightseizesnow，Andfrompointontopointhastestoclimb。

Alasforthewarder！hisdoomisdecreed！

Likealong-leggedspider，withne’er-changingspeed，Advancesthedreadedpursuer。

Thewarderhequakes，andthewarderturnspale，Theshroudtorestorefainhadsought。

Whentheend，——nowcannothingtosavehimavail，——

Inatoothformedofironiscaught。

Withvanishinglustrethemoon’sraceisrun，WhenthebellthundersloudlyapowerfulOne，Andtheskeletonfails，crush’dtoatoms。

1813——

THEPUPILINMAGIC。

IAMnow，——whatjoytohearit！——

Oftheoldmagicianrid。

Andhenceforthshallev’ryspiritDowhate’erbymeisbid。

Ihavewatch’dwithrigourAllheusedtodo，AndwillnowwithvigourWorkmywonderstoo。

Wander，wanderOnwardlightly，SothatrightlyFlowthetorrent，AndwithteemingwatersyonderInthebathdischargeitscurrent！

Andnowcome，thouwell-wornbroom，Andthywretchedformbestir。

Thouhasteverservedasgroom，Sofulfilmypleasure，sir！

Ontwolegsnowstand，Withaheadontop。

Waterpailinhand，Haste，anddonotstop！

Wander，wanderOnwardlightly，SothatrightlyFlowthetorrent，AndwithteemingwatersyonderInthebathdischargeitscurrent！

See！he’srunningtotheshore，Andhasnowattain’dthepool，AndwithlightningspeedoncemoreComeshere，withhisbucketfull！

Backhethenrepairs。

Seehowswellsthetide！

HoweachpailhebearsStraightwayissupplied！

Stop，for，lo！

AllthemeasureOfthytreasureNowisright！——

Ah，Iseeit！woe，ohwoe！

Iforgetthewordofmight。

Ah，thewordwhosesoundcanstraightMakehimwhathewasbefore！

Ah，herunswithnimblegait！

Wouldthouwertabroomoncemore！

Streamsrenew’dforeverQuicklybringethhe。

RiverafterriverRushethonpoorme！

NownolongerCanIbearhim。

Iwillsnarehim，Knavishsprite！

Ah，myterrorwaxesstronger！

Whatalook！whatfearfulsightOh，thouvillainchildofhell！

Shallthehousethroughtheebedrown’dFloodsIseethatwildlyswell，O’erthethresholdgainingground。

Wiltthounotobey，Oh，thoubroomaccurs’d？

BethoustillIpray，Asthouwertatfirst！

WillenoughNeverpleasethee？

Iwillseizethee，Holdtheefast，Andthynimblewoodsotough，Withmysharpaxesplitatlast。

See，oncemorehehastensback！

Now，ohCobold，thoushaltcatchit！

Iwillrushuponhistrack。

Crashingonhimfallsmyhatchet。

Bravelydone，indeed！

See，he’scleftintwain！

NowfromcareI’mfreed，Andcanbreatheagain。

Woe，ohwoe！

Boththeparts，Quickasdarts，Standonend，Servantsofmydreadedfoe！

Oh，yegodsprotectionsend！

Andtheyrun！andwetterstillGrowthestepsandgrowsthehail。

Lordandmasterhearmecall！

Everseemsthefloodtofill，Ah，he’scoming！see，Greatismydismay！

SpiritsraisedbymeVainlywouldIlay！

TothesideOftheroomHasten，broom，Asofold！

SpiritsIhavene’eruntiedSavetoactastheyaretold。

1797——

THEBRIDEOFCORINTH。

[FirstpublishedinSchiller’sHoren，inconnectionwithafriendlycontestintheartofballad-writingbetweenthetwogreatpoets，towhichmanyoftheirfinestworksareowing。]

ONCEastrangeryouthtoCorinthcame，WhoinAthenslived，buthopedthatheFromacertaintownsmantheremightclaim，Ashisfather’sfriend，kindcourtesy。

Sonanddaughter，theyHadbeenwonttosayShouldthereafterbrideandbridegroombe。

Butcanhethatboonsohighlyprized，Savetisdearlybought，nowhopetoget？

TheyareChristiansandhavebeenbaptized，Heandallofhisareheathensyet。

Foranewborncreed，Likesomeloathsomeweed，Loveandtruthtorootoutoftwillthreat。

Father，daughter，allhadgonetorest，Andthemotheronlywatcheslate。

Shereceiveswithcourtesytheguest，Andconductshimtotheroomofstate。

Wineandfoodarebrought，Erebyhimbesought。

Biddinghimgoodnight。sheleaveshimstraight。

Buthefeelsnorelishnow，intruth，Forthedaintiessoprofuselyspread。

Meatanddrinkforgetstheweariedyouth，And，stilldress’d，helayshimonthebed。

Scarceareclosedhiseyes，Whenaformin-hiesThroughtheopendoorwithsilenttread。

ByhisglimmeringlampdiscernshenowHow，inveilandgarmentwhitearray’d，Withablackandgoldbandroundherbrow，Glidesintotheroomabashfulmaid。

Butshe，athissight，Liftsherhandsowhite，Andappearsasthoughfullsoreafraid。

AmI，criesshe，suchastrangerhere，Thattheguest’sapproachtheycouldnotname？

Ah，theykeepmeinmycloisterdrear，WellnighfeelIvanquish’dbymyshame。

OnthysoftcouchnowSlumbercalmlythou！

I’llreturnasswiftlyasIcame。

Stay，thoufairestmaiden！criestheboy，Startingfromhiscouchwitheagerhaste：

HereareCeres’，Bacchus’giftsofjoy。

Amorbringestthou，withbeautygrac’d！

Thouartpalewithfear！

LovedoneletushereProvetherapturestheImmortalstaste。

Drawnotnigh，OYouth！afarremain！

Rapturenowcanneversmileonme。

Forthefatalstep，alas！ista’en，Throughmymother’ssick-bedphantasy。

Cured，shemadethisoath：

’YouthandnaturebothShallhenceforthtoHeav’ndevotedbe。’

Fromthehouse，sosilentnow，aredrivenAllthegodswhoreign’dsupremeofyore。

OneInvisiblenowrulesinheaven，OnthecrossaSaviourtheyadore。

Victimsslaytheyhere，Neitherlambnorsteer，Butthealtarsreekwithhumangore。

Andhelists，andev’rywordheweighs，Whilehiseagersouldrinksineachsound：

CanitbethatnowbeforemygazeStandsmylovedoneonthissilentground？

Pledgetomethytroth！

Throughourfather’soath：

WithHeav’nsblessingwillourlovebecrown’d。

Kindlyyouth，Inevercanbethine！

’Tismysistertheyintendforthee。

WhenIinthesilentcloisterpine，Ah，withinherarmsrememberme！

TheealoneIlove，Whilelove’spangsIprove。

Soontheearthwillveilmymisery。

No！forbythisglowingflameIswear，Hymenhathhimselfpropitiousshown：

Letustomyfathershouserepair，Andthoultfindthatjoyisnotyetflown，Sweetest，herethenstay，AndwithoutdelayHoldwenowourweddingfeastalone！

Thenexchangetheytokensoftheirtruth。

Shegiveshimagoldenchaintowear，AndasilverchalicewouldtheyouthGiveherinreturnofbeautyrare。

Thatisnotforme。

YetIbegofthee，Onelockonlygivemeofthyhair。

Nowtheghostlyhourofmidnightknell’d，Andsheseem’drightjoyousatthesign。

Toherpallidlipsthecupsheheld，Butshedrankofnoughtbutblood-redwine。

FortotastethebreadTherebeforethemspread，Noughthespokecouldmakethemaidincline。

Totheyouththegobletthenshebrought，——

Hetooquaff’dwitheagerjoythebowl。

Lovetocrownthesilentfeasthesought，Ah！fulllove-sickwasthestripling’ssoul。

Fromhisprayersheshrinks，TillatlengthhesinksOnthebedandweepswithoutcontrol。

Andshecomes，andlaysherneartheboy：

HowIgrievetoseetheesorrowingso！

Ifthouthink’sttoclaspmyformwithjoy，Thoumustlearnthissecretsadtoknow。

Yes！themaid，whomthouCall’stthylovedonenow，Isascoldasice，thoughwhiteassnow。

Thenheclaspshermadlyinhisarm，Whilelove’syouthfulmightpervadeshisframe：

Thoumight’sthope，whenwithme，togrowwarm，E’eniffromthegravethyspiritcame！

Breathforbreath，andkiss！

Overflowofbliss！

Dostnotthou，likeme，feelpassion’sflame？

Lovestillcloserrivetsnowtheirlips，Tearstheyminglewiththeirraptureblest，Fromhismouththeflameshewildlysips，Eachiswiththeother’sthoughtpossess’d。

Hishotardour’sfloodWarmsherchillyblood，Butnoheartisbeatinginherbreast。

Inhercaretoseethatnoughtwentwrong，Nowthemotherhappen’dtodrawnear。

Atthedoorlonghearkensshe，fulllong，Wond’ringatthesoundsthatgreetherear。

Tonesofjoyandsadness，Andlove’sblissfulmadness，Asofbrideandbridegroomtheyappear，Fromthedoorshewillnotnowremove’Tillshegainsfullcertaintyofthis。

Andwithangerhearsshevowsoflove，Softcaressingwordsofmutualbliss。

Hush！thecock’sloudstrain！

Butthoultcomeagain，Whenthenightreturns！——thenkissonkiss。

Thenherwraththemothercannothold，ButunfastensstraightthelockwitheaseInthishousearegirlsbecomesobold，Astoseeke’enstrangers’luststoplease？

Byherlamp’sclearglowLooksshein，——andoh！

Sightofhorror！——’tisherchildshesees。

Faintheyouthwould，inhisfirstalarm，Withtheveilthato’erherhadbeenspread，Withthecarpet，shieldhislovefromharm。

Butshecaststhemfromher，voidofdread，Andwithspirit’sstrength，Initsspectrelength，Liftsherfigureslowlyfromthebed。

Mother！mother！——Thusherwanlipssay：

MaynotIonenightofraptureshare？

FromthewarmcouchamIchasedaway？

DoIwakenonlytodespair？

ItcontentsnottheeTohavedrivenmeAnuntimelyshroudofdeathtowear？

Butfromoutmycoffin’sprison-boundsByawond’rousfateI’mforcedtorove，WhiletheblessingsandthechauntingsoundsThatyourpriestsdelightin，uselessprove。

Water，salt，arevainFerventyouthtochain，Ah，e’enEarthcannevercooldownlove！

Whenthatinfantvowoflovewasspoken，Venus’radianttemplesmiledonboth。

Mother！thouthatpromisesincehastbroken，Fetter’dbyastrange，deceitfuloath。

Gods，though，hearkenne’er，ShouldamotherswearTodenyherdaughter’splightedtroth。

FrommygravetowanderIamforc’d，StilltoseekTheGood’slong-sever’dlink，StilltolovethebridegroomIhavelost，Andthelife-bloodofhishearttodrink。

Whenhisraceisrun，Imusthastenon，Andtheyoungmust’neathmyvengeancesink，Beauteousyouth！nolongermaystthoulive。

Heremustshrivelupthyformsofair。

DidnotItotheeatokengive，Takinginreturnthislockofhair？

Viewittothysorrow！

Greythoultbeto-morrow，Onlytogrowbrownagainwhenthere。

Mother，tothisfinalprayergiveear！

Letafuneralpilebestraightwaydress’d。

Openthenmycellsosadanddrear，Thattheflamesmaygivetheloversrest！

WhenascendsthefireFromtheglowingpyre，Tothegodsofoldwe’llhasten，blest。

1797——

THEGODANDTHEBAYADERE。

ANINDIANLEGEND。

[ThisveryfineBalladwasalsofirstgivenintheHoren。]

(MAHADEVAisoneofthenumerousnamesofSeeva，thedestroyer，——

thegreatgodoftheBrahmins。)

MAHADEVA，*LordofearthForthesixthtimecomesbelow，Asamanofmortalbirth，——

Likehim，feelingjoyandwoe。

Hitherloveshetorepair，Andhispowerbehindtoleave。

Iftopunishortospare，Menasmanhe’dfainperceive。

Andwhenhethetownasatrav’llerhathseen，Observingthemighty，regardingthemean，Hequitsit，togoonhisjourney，ateve。

Hewasleavingnowtheplace，Whenanoutcastmethiseyes，——

Fairinform，withpaintedface，——

Wheresomestragglingdwellingsrise。

Maiden，hail！——Thanks！welcomehere！

Stay！——I’lljointheeintheroad。’

Whoartthou？——ABayadere，Andthishouseislove’sabode。

Thecymbalshehastenstoplayforthedance，Wellskill’dinitsmazesthesighttoentrance，Thenbyherwithgraceisthenosegaybestow’d。

Thenshedrawshim，asinplay，O’erthethresholdeagerly：

Beauteousstranger，lightasdayThoushaltsoonthiscottagesee。

I’llrefreshthee，ifthou’rttired，Andwillbathethywearyfeet。

Takewhate’erbythee’sdesired，Toying，rest，orrapturesweet——

Shebusilyseekshisfeign’dsuff’ringstoease。

ThensmilestheImmortal。withpleasureheseesThatwithkindnessaheartsocorruptedcanbeat。

AndhemakesheractthepartOfaslave。he’sstraightobey’d。

Whatatfirsthadbeenbutart，Soonisnatureinthemaid。

Bydegreesthefruitwefind，Wherethebudsatfirstobtain。

Whenobediencefillsthemind，Lovewillneverfarremain。

Butsharperandsharperthemaidentoprove，TheDiscernerofallthingsbelowandabove，Feignspleasure，andhorror，andmaddeningpain。

Andherpaintedcheekshekisses，Andhisvowsherheartenthrall。

Feelinglove’ssharppangsandblisses，Soonhertearsbegintofall。

Athisfeetshenowmustsink，Notwiththoughtsoflustorgain，——

Andherslendermembersshrink，Anddevoidofpowerremain。

AndsothebrighthourswithgladnessprepareTheirdark，pleasingveilofatexturesofair，Andoverthecouchsoftly，tranquillyreign。

Lateshefallsasleep，thusbless’d，——

Earlywakes，herslumbersfled，Andshefindsthemuch-lovedguestOnherbosomlyingdead。

Screamingfallssheonhimthere，But，alas，toolatetosave！

AndhisrigidlimbstheybearStraightwaytotheirfierygrave。

Thenhearsshethepriestsandthefuneralsong，Thenmadlysheruns，andsheseversthethrong：

Whypresstow’rdthepilethus？Whyscreamthus，andrave？

Thenshesinksbesidehisbier，Andherscreamsthroughairresound：

Imustseekmyspousesodear，E’enifinthegravehe’sbound。

ShallthoselimbsofgracedivineFalltoashesinmysight？

Minehewas！Yes，onlymine！

Ah，onesingleblissfulnight！

Thepriestschauntinchorus：Webearouttheold，Whenlongthey’vebeenweary，andlatethey’vegrowncold：

Webearouttheyoung，too，sothoughtlessandlight。

Tothypriests’commandsgiveear！

Thisonewasthyhusbandne’er。

LivestillasaBayadere，Andnodutythouneed’stshare。

Todeathssilentrealmsfromlife，Nonebutshadesattendman’sframe，Withthehusband，nonebutwife，——

Thatisduty，thatisfame。

Yetrumpets，yoursacredlamenthastetoraiseOh，welcome，yegods，thebrightlustreofdays！

Oh，welcometoheaventheyouthfromtheflame！

ThusincreasedhertormentsareBythecruel，heartlessquire。

AndwitharmsoutstretchingfarLeapssheontheglowingpyre。

ButtheyouthdivineoutspringsFromtheflamewithheav’nlygrace，Andonhighhisflighthewings，Whilehisarmshisloveembrace。

InthesinnerrepentanttheGodheadfeelsjoy。

Immortalsdelightthustheirmighttoemploy。

Lostchildrentoraisetoaheavenlyplace。

1797——

THEPARIAH。

I。THEPARIAHSPRAYER。

DREADEDBrama，lordofmight！

Allproceedfromtheealone。

Thouarthewhojudgethright！

DostthounonebutBrahminsown？

DobutRajahscomefromthee？

Nonebutthoseofhighestate？

Didstnotthoutheapecreate，Aye，andevensuchaswe？

Wearenotofnoblekind，Forwithwoeourlotisrife。

AndwhatothersdeadlyfindIsouronlysourceoflife。

Letthisbeenoughformen，Letthem，iftheywill，despiseus。

Butthou，Brama，thoushouldstprizeus，Allareequalinthyken。

Nowthat，Lord，thisprayerissaid，Asthychildacknowledgeme。

Orletonebebornin-stead，Whomaylinkmeontothee！

DidstnotthouaBayadereAsagoddessheavenwardraise？

Andwetootoswellthypraise，Suchamiraclewouldhear。

1821——

II。LEGEND。

[ThesuccessfulmannerinwhichGoetheemploysthesimplerhymelesstrochaicmetreinthisandinmanyotherPoemswillperhapsberemarkedbythereader。]

WATER-FETCHINGgoesthenobleBrahmin’swife，sopureandlovely。

Heishonour’d，voidofblemish。

Andofjusticerigid，stern。

DailyfromthesacredriverBringsshebackrefreshmentsprecious——

Butwhereisthepailandpitcher？

Sheofneitherstandsinneed。

Forwithpureheart，handsunsullied，Shethewaterlifts，androllsitToawondrousballofcrystalThisshebearswithgladsomebosom，Modestly，withgracefulmotion，Toherhusbandinthehouse。

Sheto-dayatdawnofmorningPrayingcomestoGanges’waters，Bendshero’ertheglassysurface——

Sudden，inthewavesreflected，Flyingswiftlyfaraboveher，Fromthehighestheavensdescending，ShediscernsthebeauteousformOfayouthdivine，createdBytheGod’sprimevalwisdomInhisowneternalbreast。

Whensheseeshim，straightwayfeelssheWondrous，new，confusedsensationsInherinmost，deepestbeing。

Fainshe’dlingero’erthevision，Thenrepelsit，——itreturneth，——

And，perplex’d，shebendsherflood-wardsWithuncertainhandstodrawit。

But，alas，shedrawsnomore！

Forthewater’ssacredbillowsSeemtofly，tohastenfromher。

ShebutseesthefearfulchasmOfawhirlpoolblackdisclosed。

Armsdropdown，andfootstepsstumble，Canthisbethepathwayhomewards？

Shallshefly，orshallshetarry？

Canshethink，whenthoughtandcounsel，Whenassistanceallarelost？

Sobeforeherspouseappearsshe——

Onherlookshe——lookisjudgment——

Proudlyontheswordheseizes，Tothehillofdeathhedragsher，Wheredelinquents’bloodpaysforfeit。

Whatresistancecouldsheoffer？

Whatexcusescouldsheproffer，Guilty，knowingnotherguilt？

Andwithbloodyswordreturnshe，Musing，tohissilentdwelling，Whenhissonbeforehimstands：

Whosethisblood？Oh，father！father！

Thedelinquentwoman’s！——Never！

Foruponthesworditdriesnot，Likethebloodofthedelinquent。

Freshitflows，asfromthewound。

Mother！mother！hitherhasten！

Unjustneverwasmyfather，Tellmewhathenowhathdone——

Silence！silence！hersthebloodis！

Whose，myfather？——Silence！Silence！

What！ohwhat！mymother’sblood！

Whathercrime？Whatdidshe？Answer！

Now，thesword！theswordnowholdI。

Thouthywifeperchancemight’stslaughter，Butmymothermight’stnotslay！

ThroughtheflamesthewifeisableHerbelovedspousetofollow，AndhisdearandonlymotherThroughtheswordherfaithfulson。

Stay！ohstay！exclaim’dthefather：

Yet’tistime，sohasten，hasten！

Jointheheaduponthebody，Withtheswordthentouchthefigure，And，aliveshe’llfollowthee。

Hastening，he，withbreathlesswonder，SeesthebodiesoftwowomenLyingcrosswise，andtheirheadstoo。

Oh，whathorror！whichtochoose！

Thenhismother’sheadheseizes，——

Doesnotkissit，deadlypale’tis，——

OnthenearestheadlessbodyPutsitquickly，andthenblessesWiththeswordthepiouswork。

Thenthegiantformuprises，——

Fromthedearlipsofhismother，Lipsallgod-like——changeless——blissful，Soundthesewordswithhorrorfraught：

Son，ohson！whatoverhast’ning！

Yonderisthymother’sbody，NearitliestheimpiousheadOfthewomanwhohathfallenVictimtothejudgment-sword！

ToherbodyIamgraftedBythyhandforendlessages。

Wiseincounsel，wildinaction，Ishallbeamongstthegods。

E’entheheav’nlyboy’sownimage，Thoughineyeandbrowsolovely，SinkingdownwardstothebosomMadandraginglustwillstir。

’Twillreturnagainforever，Everrising，eversinking，Nowobscured，andnowtransfigur’d，——

SogreatBramahathordain’d。

He’twassentthebeauteouspinions，RadiantfaceandslendermembersOftheonlyGod-begotten，ThatImightbeprovedandtempted。

Forfromhighdescendstemptation，Whenthegodsordainitso。

AndsoI，theBrahminwoman，WithmyheadinHeavenreclining，Mustexperience，asaPariah，Thedebasingpowerofearth。

Son，Isendtheetothyfather！

Comforthim！Letnosadpenance，Weakdelay，orthoughtofmerit，HoldtheeinthedesertfastWanderonthroughev’rynation，Roamabroadthroughoutallages，Andproclaimtoe’enthemeanest，ThatgreatBramahearshiscry！

Noneisinhiseyesthemeanest——

Hewhoselimbsarelameandpalsied，Hewhosesouliswildlyriven，Wornwithsorrow，hopeless，helpless，BeheBrahmin，behePariah，Iftow’rdheavenheturnshisgaze，Willperceive，willlearntoknowit：

Thousandeyesareglowingyonder，Thousandearsarecalmlylist’ning，Fromwhichnoughtbelowishid。

IfItohisthronesoarupward，IfheseesmyfearfulfigureByhismighttransform’dtohorror，Heforeverwilllamentit，——

Mayittoyourgoodbefound！

AndInowwillkindlywarnhim，AndInowwillmadlytellhimWhatsoe’ermymindconceiveth，Whatwithinmybosomheaveth。

Butmythoughts，myinmostfeelings——

Thoseasecretshallremain。

1821——

III。THEPARIAH’STHANKS。

MIGHTYBrama，nowI’llblessthee！

’Tisfromtheethatworldsproceed！

AsmyrulerIconfessthee，Forofallthoutakestheed。

AllthythousandearsthoukeepestOpentoeachchildofearth。

We，’mongstmortalssunkthedeepest，Havefromtheereceivednewbirth。

Bearinmindthewoman’sstory，Who，throughgrief，divinebecame。

NowI’llwaittoviewHisglory，Whoomnipotencecanclaim。

1821——

DEATH-LAMENTOFTHENOBLEWIFEOFASANAGA。

[FromtheMorlack。)

WHATisyonderwhitethingintheforest？

Isitsnow，orcanitswansperchancebe？

Wereitsnow，erethisithadbeenmelted，Wereitswans，theyallawayhadhastend。

Snow，intruth，itisnot，swansitisnot，’TistheshiningtentsofAsanAga。

Hewithinislying，sorelywounded。

Tohimcomehismotherandhissister。

Bashfullyhiswifedelaystocomethere。

Whenthetormentofhiswoundshadlessen’d，Tohisfaithfulwifehesentthismessage：

Atmycourtnolongerdaretotarry，Atmycourt，ore’enamongstmypeople。

Whenthewomanheardthiscruelmessage，Muteandfullofsorrowstoodthattrueone。

Atthedoorsshehearsthefeetofhorses，AndbethinksthatAsancomes——herhusband，Tothetowershesprings，toleapthenceheadlong，Hertwodarlingdaughtersfollowsadly，Andwhilstweepingbittertears，exclaimthey：

ThesearenotourfatherAsan’shorses。

’TisthybrotherPintorowichcoming！

SothewifeofAsanturnstomeethim，Claspsherarmsinanguishroundherbrother：

Seethysister’ssaddisgrace，ohbrother！

HowI’mbanish’d——motheroffivechildren！

Silentlyherbrotherfromhiswallet，Wrapp’dindeepred-silk，andreadywritten，Drawethforththeletterofdivorcement，Toreturnhometohermother’sdwelling，Freetobeanother’swifethenceforward。

Whenthewomansawthatmournfulletter，Ferventlyshekiss’dhertwosons’foreheads，Andhertwogirls’cheekswithfervourkiss’dshe，ButshefromthesucklinginthecradleCouldnottearherself，sodeephersorrow！

Soshe’stornthencebyherfierybrother，Onhisnimblesteedheliftsherquickly，Andsohastens，withtheheart-sadwoman，Straightwaytow’rdhisfather’sloftydwelling。

Shortthetimewas——sevendayshadpass’dnot，——

Yetenough’twas。manymightyprincesSoughtthewomaninherwidow’s-mourning。

Soughtthewoman，——astheirwifetheysoughther。

AndthemightiestwasImoski’sCadi，Andthewomanweepingbegg’dherbrother：

Bythylife，mybrother，Ientreatthee，Letmenotanother’swifebeever，LestmyheartbebrokenattheimageOfmypoor，mydearly-cherish’dchildren！

Toherprayerherbrotherwouldnothearken，Fix’dtowedhertoImoski’sCadi。

Yetthegoodoneceaselesslyimploredhim：

Send，atleastaletter，oh，mybrother，WiththismessagetoImoski’sCadi：

’Theyoungwidowsendstheefriendlygreeting。

Earnestlyshepraysthee，throughthisletter，That，whenthoucom’sthither，withthySuatians，Alongveilthou’ltbringme，’neathwhoseshadowImayhide，whennearthehouseofAsan，Andnotseemydearlycherish’dorphans。’

ScarcelyhadtheCadireadthisletter，Thanhegather’dallhisSuatiansroundhim，Andthentow’rdthebridehiscoursedirected，Andtheveilsheask’dfor，tookhewithhim。

Happilytheyreach’dtheprincess’dwelling，Fromthedwellinghappilytheyledher。

Butwhentheyapproach’dthehouseofAsan，Lo！thechildrensawfromhightheirmother，Andtheyshouted：Tothyhallsreturnthou！

Eatthysupperwiththydarlingchildren！

MournfullythewifeofAsanheardit，Tow’rdtheSuatianprincethenturn’dshe，saying：

Let，Ipray，theSuatiansandthehorsesAtthelovedones’doorashorttimetarry，ThatImaygivepresentstomychildren。

Andbeforethelovedones’doortheytarried，Andshepresentsgavetoherpoorchildren，Totheboysgavegold-embroider’dbuskins，Tothegirlsgavelongandcostlydresses，Tothesuckling，helplessinthecradle，Gaveagarment，tobewornhereafter。

ThisasidesawFatherAsanAga，——

Sadlycriedhetohisdarlingchildren：

Hithercome，yedearunhappyinfants，Foryourmother’sbreastisturn’dtoiron，Lock’dforever，closedtoallcompassion！

WhenthewifeofAsanheardhimspeakthus，Ontheground，allpaleandtrembling，fellshe，Andherspiritfledhersorrowingbosom，Whenshesawherchildrenflyingfromher。

1775——

CANTATAS——

Maythebardthesenumberspraise，Thataresunghisfametoraise——

THEPoemscomposedbyGoetheunderthistitlearefiveinnumber，ofwhichthreeareheregiven。Theothertwoareentirelypersonalintheirallusions，andnotofgeneralinterest。OneofthemisaRequiemonthePrincedeLigne，whodiedin1814，andwhomGoethecallsthehappiestmanofthecentury，andtheotherwascomposedinhonourofthe70thbirthdayofhisfriendZelterthecomposer，whenGoethewashimselfmorethan79(1828)。

Thefollowingsweetariaintroducedinthelatteris，however，worthgiving：——

THEflowerssocarefullyrear’d，InagarlandforhimIofttwin’d：

Howsweethavetheyeverappear’d，Whenwreath’dforafrienddearandkind。

Thenincensesweetascended，Thennew-hornblossomsrose，WithgentlezephyrsblendedIntonesofsoftrepose——

IDYLL。

AvillageChorusissupposedtobeassembled，andabouttocommenceitsfestiveprocession。

[WrittenforthebirthdayoftheDuchessLouisaofWeimar。]

CHORUS。

THEfestaldayhailyeWithgarlandsofpleasure，Anddances’softmeasure，WithrapturecommingledAndsweetchoralsong。

DAMON。

Oh，howIyearnfromoutthecrowdtoflee！

Whatjoyasecretgladewouldgivetome！

Amidthethrong，theturmoilhere，Confinedtheplain，thebreezese’enappear。

CHORUS。

Noworderittruly，Thatev’ryonedulyMayroamandmaywander，Nowhere，andnowyonder，Themeadowsalong。

[TheChorusretreatsgradually，andthesongbecomesfainterandfainter，tillitdiesawayinthedistance。]

DAMON。

Invainyecall，invainwouldluremeon。

Truemyheartspeaks，——butwithitselfalone。

AndifImayviewAblessing-fraughtland，Theheaven’sclearblue，Andtheplain’sverdanthue，AloneI’llrejoice，Undisturbedbyman’svoice。

AndthereI’llpayhomageTowomanlymerit，Observeitinspirit，Inspiritpayhomage。

ToechoaloneShallmysecretbeknown。

CHORUS。

[FaintlyminglingwithDamon’ssonginthedistance。]

Toecho——alone——

Shallmysecret——beknown——

MENALCAS。

Myfriend，whymeetIherewiththee？

Thouhast’nestnottojointhefestalthrong？

Nolongerstay，butcomewithme，Andmingleinthedanceandsong。

DAMON。

Thou’rtwelcome，friend！butsuffermetoroamWheretheseoldbeecheshidemefromman’sview：

Loveseeksinsolitudeahome，Andhomagemayretreattheretoo。

MENALCAS。

Thouseekesthereaspuriousfame，Andhastamindto-daytogrieveme。

LoveasthyportionthoumaystclaimButhomagethoumustsharewithall，believeme！

Whentheirvoicesthousandsraise，Andthedawnofmorningpraise，Rapturebringing，BlithelysingingOnbeforeus，Heartandearinpleasurevie。

Andwhenthousandsjoininchorus，Withthefeelingsbrightlyglowing，Andthewishesoverflowing，Forciblythey’llbeartheehigh。

[TheChorusgraduallyapproaches，fromthedistance。]

DAMON。

Distantstrainsarehitherwending，AndI’mgladden’dbythethrong。

Yes，they’recoming，——yes，descendingTothevalleyfromtheheight，MENALCAS。

Letushaste，ourfootstepsblendingWiththerhythmofthesong！

Yes，theycome。theircoursethey’rebendingTow’rdthewood’sgreenswardsobright。

CHORUS。

[Graduallybecominglouder。]

Yes，wehithercome，attendingWiththeharmonyofsong，AsthehourstheirraceareendingOnthisdayofblestdelight。

ALL。

LetnonerevealThethoughtswefeel，Theaimsweown！

LetjoyaloneDisclosethestory！

She’llproveitrightAndherdelightIncludestheglory，IncludestheblissOfdayslikethis！

1813