Classic Poem

BY JOHAN 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,
Wave the crimson banners proudly,
From balcony the King looked on;
In the play of spears,
Fell all the cavaliers,
Before the monarch's stalwart son.

To the barrier of the fight
Rode at last a sable Knight.
" 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,
Torch-light through the high halls glances;
Waves a mighty shadow in;
With manner bland
Doth ask the maiden's hand,
Doth with her the dance begin.

Danced in sable iron sark,
Danced a measure weird and dark,
Coldly clasped her limbs around;
From breast and hair
Down fall from her the fair
Flowerets, faded, to the ground.

To the sumptuous banquet came
Every Knight and every Dame;
'Twixt son and daughter all distraught,
With mournful mind
The ancient King reclined,
Gazed at them in silent thought.

Pale the children both did look,
But the guest a beaker took:
" 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! "