The Poems of Goethe, Translated in the Original Metres · Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
II. CHORUS OF SPIRITS.
Though itself unconscious yet. Downward steals it,'mongst the flowers Seeking deeper, stiller bowers, 'Mongst the foliage, 'neath the rock; Thou'lt be deafened by the shock! ----- FROM FAUST--SECOND PART. ANGELS. [Hovering in the higher regions of air, and hearing the immortal part of Faust.] THE spirit-region's noble limb Hath 'scaled the Archfiend's power; For we have strength to rescue him Who labours ev'ry hour. And if he feels within his breast A ray of love from heaven. He's met by all the squadron blest With welcome gladly given. Yonder roses, from the holy Hands of penitents so lowly, Help'd to render us victorious, And to do the deed all-glorious; For they gain'd us this soul-treasure. Evil ones those roses banish'd, Devils, when we met them, vanish'd. Spirits felt love's pangs with pleasure, Where hell's torments used to dwell; E'en the hoary king of hell Felt sharp torments through him run. Shout for joy! the prize is won. Strains of mortality Long have oppress'd us; Pure could they ever be, If of asbestos. If mighty spirit-strength Elements ever Knew how to seize at length, Angels could never Link'd twofold natures move, Where single-hearted; By nought but deathless love Can they be parted. See where a spirit-race Bursts on the sight! Dimly their forms I trace Round the far height. Each cloud becometh clear, While the bright troops appear Of the blest boys, From the Earth's burden free, In a glad company Drinking in joys, Born of the world above, Springtime and bliss. May they forerunners prove Of a more perfect love, Link'd on to this!
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