Didst thou hear, from those lofty chambers The harp and the minstrel's rhyme ?” "The winds and the waves of ocean, They rested quietly, But I heard on the gale a sound of wail, And tears came to mine eye." "And sawest thou on the turrets The King and his royal bride? And the wave of their crimson mantles? And the golden crown of pride? "Led they not forth, in rapture, A beauteous maiden there? "Well saw I the ancient parents, THE BLACK KNIGHT (DER SCHWARZE RITTER) BY JOHANN LUDWIG UHLAND 'T WAS Pentecost, the Feast of Gladness, When woods and fields put off all sadness, Thus began the King and spake : "So from the halls Of ancient Hofburg's walls, A luxuriant Spring shall break." Drums and trumpets echo loudly, Before the monarch's stalwart son. To the barrier of the fight "Sir Knight! your name and scutcheon, Say " "Should I speak it here, Ye would stand aghast with fear I am a Prince of mighty sway!" When he rode into the lists, The arch of heaven grew black with mists, And the castle 'gan to rock; At the first blow, Fell the youth from saddle-bow, Hardly rises from the shock. Pipe and viol call the dances, Doth ask the maiden's hand, Danced in sable iron sark, Down fall from her the fair To the sumptuous banquet came The ancient King reclined, Gazed at them in silent thought. Pale the children both did look, "Golden wine will make you whole !” The children drank, Gave many a courteous thank : “Oh, that draught was very cool!” Each the father's breast embraces, Son and daughter; and their faces Colorless grow utterly; Whichever way Looks the fear-struck father gray, He beholds his children die. "Woe ! the blessed children both Takest thou in the joy of youth; Take me, too, the joyless father!" Spake the grim Guest, From his hollow, cavernous breast: "Roses in the spring I gather!" SONG OF THE SILENT LAND (LIED: INS STILLE LAND) BY JOHANN GAUDENZ VON SALIS-SEEWIS INTO the Silent Land! Ah! who shall lead us thither? |