Page:Masterpieces of German literature volume 7.djvu/500

 438 Why seem these men to quake with fear

While each on other casts a wondering glance?

Behold! 'Tis here!

'Tis here, 'tis here! the quivering light

Rests on each head; what floods of ecstasy

Throng in our veins with wondrous might!

The future dawns; the flood-gates open free;

Resistless pours the mighty Word;

Now as a herald's call, now whisperingly,

Its tone is heard.

Oh Light, oh Comforter, but there

Alas! and but to them art Thou revealed

And not to us, not everywhere

Where drooping souls for comfort have appealed!

I yearn for day that never breaks;

Oh shine, before this eye is wholly sealed,

Which weeps and wakes.

yon fir trees in the west,

The sunset round it glowing,

A cottage lies like bird on nest,

With thatch roof hardly showing.

And there across the window-sill

Leans out a white-starred heifer;

She snorts and stamps, then breathes her fill

Of evening's balmy zephyr.

Near-by reposes, hedged with thorn,

A garden neatly tended;

The sunflower looks about with scorn;

The bell-flower's head is bended.