Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/195

Rh Screaming falls she on him there, But, alas, too late to save! And his rigid limbs they bear Straightway to their fiery grave, Then hears she the priests and the funeral song, Then madly she runs, and she severs the throng: "Why press tow'rd the pile thus? Why scream thus and rave?"

Then she sinks beside his bier, And her screams through air resound: "I must seek my spouse so dear, E'en if in the grave he's bound. Shall those limbs of grace divine Fall to ashes in my sight? Mine he was! Yes, only mine! Ah, one single blissful night!" The priests chant in chorus: "We bear out the old, When long they've been weary, and late they've grown cold; We bear out the young, too, so thoughtless and light.

"To thy priests' command give ear! This one was thy husband ne'er; Live still as a Bayadere, And no duty thou need'st share. To death's silent realms from life, None but shades attend man's frame, With the husband, none but wife,— That is duty, that is fame. Ye trumpets, your sacred lament haste to raise! Oh, welcome, ye gods, the bright lustre of days! Oh, welcome to heaven the youth from the flame!"

Thus increased her torments are By the cruel, heartless choir;