The Poems of Goethe, Translated in the Original Metres · Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
SONG OF THE FATES.
And welcome him there. The point of his arrows He lights in the glow; They clasp him and kiss him And fondle him so. He e o! Pap! CLARA winds a skein, and sings with Brackenburg. THE drum gives the signal! Loud rings the shrill fife! My love leads his troops on Full arm'd for the strife, While his hand grasps his lance As they proudly advance. My bosom pants wildly! My blood hotly flows! Oh had I a doublet, A helmet, and hose! Through the gate with bold footstep I after him hied,-- Each province, each country Explored by his side. The coward foe trembled Then rattled our shot: What bliss e'er resembled A soldier's glad lot! CLARA sings. Gladness And sadness And pensiveness blending Yearning And burning In torment ne'er ending; Sad unto death, Proudly soaring above; Happy alone Is the soul that doth love!
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.