Classic Poem

In the tower of Germersheim,
Strong in mind but weak in frame,
Sat the aged Emperor Rodolph,
Playing at his favourite game.

And he spoke — " My kind physician,
Fearless like a friend reply,
When, from out this shattered body,
Must my soul ascend on high? "

And the grave physician answered,
" Thou this day thy life mayst lose! "
Kindly smiling spoke the monarch,
" Friend, I thank you for the news! "

" Off to Speier! — off to Speier! "
Spoke he, and the game suspended,
" There, like many a German hero,
Let my weary life be ended!

" Blow the trumpets, bring the steed
That so oft to battle bore me; "
Shuddering stand the servants all,
Still he spoke — " Why weep before me? "

And the war horse quick was brought,
" Friend, our course is far from dreary,
Not to battle but to peace
Bear thy master, the life-weary! "

Weeping stood around the gate
Many a page and many a vassal;
Right and left a chaplain led him,
Half a corse, from out his castle.

And the castle's mourning lindens,
Bent their branches o'er his head;
And the birds sang mournful ditties
As the old man forth was led.

Many flocked along the highway,
As the rumour filled the place,
Then with sorrow shrieked when gazing
On the dying hero's face!

When he spoke, the bliss of Heaven
On his countenance seemed playing;
As if, full of hope and life,
He rode again a-Maying!

From the lofty dome of Speier
Toll'd the great bell deep and hollow;
Knights and burghers, tender maidens,
All in tears the old man follow!

In the proud imperial hall
Briskly did he enter there,
And for all his people prayed he,
Sitting in his golden chair!

" Give me now God's holy body, "
Spoke he with his lips so white,
And his countenance grew youthful
Towards the middle of the night.

And a supernatural lustre
Played within that sacred place,
Where the hero sat expiring,
Heavenly rest upon his face!

Not a bell dare tell the tidings,
Nor the trumpets shrill replying,
Every heart along the Rhine
Felt their aged lord was dying!

To the church in dusky masses
On the weeping people trod,
And they bore the hero's body;
But his spirit was with God!