Page:Works of Heinrich Heine 01.djvu/137

Rh "Say where the broadest bridge may be,

And what do men most hate to see;

Where is the highest road alone?

And where the coldest drink that's known?"

Sir Vonved, look about thee I

"The sun is rounder than a wheel,

In heaven the merriest Christmas meal;

The sun forever seeks the west,

Towards east the feet of a dead man rest."

Sir Vonved, look about thee!

"The snow fills up the valleys all,

Courage beseems a royal hall;

Thunder is louder than the crane,

And angels whiter than the swan."

Sir Vonved, look about thee!

"The plover's beard on his neck hath grown,

The bear hath his nose 'neath his chin, alone;

Sin is blacker than a bolt,

And thought flies faster than a colt."

Sir Vonved, look about thee!

"No broader bridge than ice can be,

The toad is what man most hates to see;

To heaven's the highest road I think,

And in hell they brew the coldest drink."

Sir Vonved, look about thee!

"Thy answers are as shrewd, I see,

As the questions which I put to thee;

I trust thee well, and will be bound

Thou knowest where heroes may be found."

Sir Vonved, look about thee!