Classic Poem

Im Traum sah ich ein Männchen, klein und putzig

I dreamt I saw a dwarf in dapper clothing,
Who walked on stilts, each step an ell or more.
Sported white linen — but the stuff he wore
Was black inside: one saw the dirt with loathing.
Within he was all sham; a fuss and frothing
To draw attention from the rotting core.
He talked of being brave, and was a bore.
His courage was all cant, and came to nothing.

" And do you know that man, or can you guess? "
The Dream-god asked me; and he showed me then
A picture of a church. . . . And of all men
The dwarf was at the altar, nothing less,
My love beside him; both were saying " Yes! "
And twice a thousand devils laughed " Amen! "