The Poems of Goethe, Translated in the Original Metres · Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
THE BEATIFIED CHILDREN.
Thus as a chrysalis Gladly we gain him, And as a pledge of bliss Safely retain him; When from the shell he's free Whereby he's tainted, Perfect and fair he'll be, Holy and sainted. DOCTOR MARINAS. (In the highest, purest cell.) Wide is the prospect here, Raised is the soul; Women on high appear, Seeking their goal. 'Mongat them the radiant one, Queen of the skies, In her bright starry crown Greets my glad eyes. (With ecstasy.) Thou who art of earth the queen. Let me, 'neath the blue Heav'nly canopy serene Thy sweet mystery view! Grant the gentle solemn force Which the breast can move. And direct our onward course Tow'rd thy perfect love. Dauntless let our courage be, At thy bright behest; Mild our ardour suddenly, When thou bidd'st us rest. Virgin, type of holiness, Mother, honour-crown'd, Thou whom we as queen confess, Godlike and renowned. Round her, in gentle play, Light clouds are stealing; Penitents fair are they, Who, humbly kneeling, Sip in the ether sweet, As they for grace entreat. Thou, who art from passions free, Kindly art inclin'd, When the sons of frailty Seek thee, meek in mind. Borne by weakness' stream along, Hard it is to save them; Who can burst lust's chains so strong, That, alas, enslave them? O how soon the foot may slip, When the smooth ground pressing! O, how false are eye and lip, False a breath caressing! MATER GLORLOSA hovers past.
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