The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries - novelonlinefull.com
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Us he pa.s.sed with glance scorn-laden; Hastily still onward springing, Bearing now the wildest maiden Of our troop, he draweth nigh.
EUPHORION (_bearing a young maiden_)
I this wilful maid and coy Carry to enforced caress; For my pleasure, for my joy Her resisting bosom press, Kiss her rebel lips, that so She my power and will may know.
MAIDEN
Loose me! in this frame residing, Burns a spirit's strength and might; Strong as thine, our will presiding Swerveth not with purpose light.
Thinkest, on thy strength relying, That thou hast me in a strait?
Hold me, fool! thy strength defying, For my sport, I'll scorch thee yet!
[_She flames up and flashes into the air_.]
Follow where light breezes wander, Follow to rude caverns yonder, Strive thy vanish'd prey to net!
EUPHORION (_shaking off the last flames_)
Rocks all around I see, Thickets and woods among!
Why should they prison me?
Still am I fresh and young.
Tempests, they loudly roar, Billows, they lash the sh.o.r.e; Both far away I hear; Would I were near!
[_He springs higher up the rock._]
HELENA, FAUST, _and_ CHORUS
Wouldst thou chamois-like aspire?
Us thy threaten'd fall dismays!
EUPHORION
Higher must I climb, yet higher, Wider still must be my gaze.
Know I now, where I stand: 'Midst of the sea-girt land, 'Midst of great Pelops' reign, Kin both to earth and main.
CHORUS
Canst not near copse and wold Tarry, then yonder, Ripe figs and apple-gold Seeking, we'll wander; Grapes too shall woo our hand, Grapes from the mantling vine.
Ah, let this dearest land, Dear one, be thine!
EUPHORION
Dream ye of peaceful day?
Dream on, while dream ye may!
War! is the signal cry, Hark! cries of victory!
CHORUS
War who desireth While peace doth reign, To joy aspireth Henceforth in vain.
EUPHORION
All whom this land hath bred, Through peril onward led, Free, of undaunted mood, Still lavish of their blood, With soul untaught to yield, Rending each chain!
To such the b.l.o.o.d.y field, Brings glorious gain.
CHORUS
High he soars,--mark, upward gazing,-- And to us not small doth seem: Victor-like, in harness blazing, As of steel and bra.s.s the gleam!
EUPHORION
Not on moat or wall relying, On himself let each one rest!
Firmest stronghold, all defying, Ever is man's iron breast!
Dwell for aye unconquered would ye?
Arm, by no vain dreams beguiled!
Amazons your women should be, And a hero every child!
CHORUS
O hallowed Poesie, Heavenward still soareth she!
Shine on, thou brightest star, Farther and still more far!
Yet us she still doth cheer; Even her voice to hear, Joyful we are.
EUPHORION
Child no more; a stripling bearing Arms appears, with valor fraught Leagued with the strong, the free, the daring, In soul already who hath wrought.
Hence away!
No delay!
There where glory may be sought.
HELENA _and_ FAUST
Scarcely summoned to life's gladness, Scarcely given to day's bright gleam, Downward now to pain and sadness Wouldst thou rush, from heights supreme!
Are then we Naught to thee?
Is our gracious bond a dream?
EUPHORION
Hark! What thunders seaward rattle, Echoing from vale to vale!
'Mid dust and foam, in shock of battle, Throng on throng, to grief and bale!
And the command Is, firm to stand; Death to face, nor ever quail.
HELENA, FAUST, _and_ CHORUS
Oh what horror! Hast thou told it!
Is then death for thee decreed?
EUPHORION
From afar shall I behold it?
No! I'll share the care and need!
