The Poems of Goethe, Translated in the Original Metres · Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
THE THREE.
Thou who ne'er thy radiant face From the greatest sinners hides, Thou who Thine atoning grace Through eternity provident, Let this soul, by virtue stirr'd, Self-forgetful though when living, That perceived not that it err'd, Feel thy mercy, sin forgiving! UNA POENITENTIUM. (Once named Margaret, pressing near them.) Oh radiance-spreading One, Who equall'd art by none, In mercy view mine ecstasy! For he whom erst I loved, No more by sorrow proved, Returns at length to me! BEATIFIED CHILDREN. (Approaching as they hover round.) He now in strength of limb Far doth outweigh us, And, as we tended him, So will repay us. Early removed were we Far from life's story; Train'd now himself, will he Train us in glory. THE PENITENT, once named Margaret. Link'd with the noble band of spirits, Scarce can the new one feel or see The radiant life he now inherits, So like that holy band is he. See how he bursts each bond material, And parts the olden veil at length,-- In vesture clad of grace ethereal, Comes in the glow of youthful strength. Oh, let me guide his steps victorious, While dazzled by the new-born light. Come! raise thyself to spheres more glorious, He'll follow when thou matzoth his sight. DOCTOR MARINAS. (Prostrated in adoration.) O repentant sinful ones, On that bright face gaze ye, And, in grateful orisons, Your blest fortune praise ye! Be each virtue of the mind To thy service given! Virgin, mother, be thou kind! Goddess, queen of heaven! Each thing of mortal birth Is but a type What was of feeble worth Here becomes ripe. What was a mystery Here meets the eye; The ever-womanly Draws us on high. (Finis.) ----- FROM IPHIGENIA IN TAURIS.
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.