Читать книгу The Greatest German Classics (Vol. 1-14) - Various - Страница 91

Contented were I with my people's praise;

My conquests others more than I enjoy.

Oh! be he king or subject, he's most blest;

Whose happiness is centred in his home.

My deep affliction thou didst share with me

What time, in war's encounter, the fell sword

Tore from my side my last, my dearest son;

So long as fierce revenge possessed my heart,

I did not feel my dwelling's dreary void;

But now, returning home, my rage appeas'd,

Their kingdom wasted, and my son aveng'd,

I find there nothing left to comfort me.

The glad obedience I was wont to see

Kindling in every eye, is smother'd now

In discontent and gloom; each, pondering, weighs

The changes which a future day may bring,

And serves the childless king, because he must.

To-day I come within this sacred fane,

Which I have often enter'd to implore

And thank the gods for conquest. In my breast

I bear an old and fondly-cherish'd wish,

To which methinks thou canst not be a stranger;

I hope, a blessing to myself and realm,

To lead thee to my dwelling as my bride.