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，whenGoethewashimselfmorethan791828。
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