The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Iii Part 4

THE DIVISION OF RANKS

Yes, in the moral world, as ours, we see Divided grades--a Soul's n.o.bility; By deeds their t.i.tles Commoners create-- The loftier order are by birthright great.[5]

TO THE MYSTIC

Spreads Life's true mystery round us evermore, Seen by no eye, it lies all eyes before.

WISDOM AND PRUDENCE

Wouldst thou the loftiest height of Wisdom gain?

On to the rashness, Prudence would disdain; The purblind see but the receding sh.o.r.e, Not that to which the bold wave wafts thee o'er!

THE UNANIMITY

Truth seek we both--Thou, in the life without thee and around; I in the Heart within--by both can Truth alike be found; The healthy eye can through the world the great Creator track-- The healthy heart is but the gla.s.s which gives creation back.

THE SCIENCE OF POLITICS

All that thou dost be right--to that alone confine thy view, And halt within the certain rule--the All that's right to do!

True zeal _the what already is_ would sound and perfect see; False zeal would sound and perfect make the something that's to be!

TO ASTRONOMERS

Of the Nebulae and planets do not babble so to me; What! is Nature only mighty inasmuch as you can see?

Inasmuch as you can measure her immeasurable ways, As she renders world on world, sun and system to your gaze?

Though through s.p.a.ce your object be the Sublimest to embrace, Never the Sublime abideth--where you vainly search--in s.p.a.ce!

THE BEST GOVERNED STATE

How the best state to know?--It is found out, Like the best women--that least talked about.

MY BELIEF

What thy religion? Those thou namest--none!

None! Why?--Because I have religion!

FRIEND AND FOE

Dear is my friend--yet from my foe, as from my friend, comes good; My friend shows what I _can_ do, and my foe shows what I _should_.

LIGHT AND COLOR

Dwell, Light, beside the changeless G.o.d--G.o.d spoke and Light began; Come, thou, the ever-changing one--come, Color, down to Man!

FORUM OF WOMEN

Woman--to judge man rightly--do not scan Each separate act;--pa.s.s judgment on the Man!

GENIUS

Intellect can repeat what's been fulfill'd, And, aping Nature, as she buildeth--build; O'er Nature's base can haughty Reason dare To pile its lofty castle--in the air.

But only thine, O Genius, is the charge, In Nature's kingdom Nature to enlarge!

THE IMITATOR

Good out of good--that art is known to all-- But Genius from the bad the good can call; Then, Mimic, not from leading-strings escaped, Work'st but the matter that's already shaped The already-shaped a n.o.bler hand awaits-- All matter asks a Spirit that _creates!_

CORRECTNESS