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Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - The Minstrel
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"What tuneful strains salute mine ear
Without the castle walls?
Oh, let the song re-echo here,

Within our festal halls!"
Thus spake the king, the page out-hied;
The boy return`d; the monarch cried:

"Admit the old man yonder!"

"All hail, ye noble lords to-night!

All hail, ye beauteous dames!
Star placed by star! What heavenly sight!

Whoe`er can tell their names?
Within this glittering hall sublime,
Be closed, mine eyes! `tis not the time

For me to feast my wonder."

The minstrel straightway closed his eyes,

And woke a thrilling tone;
The knights look`d on in knightly guise,

Fair looks tow`rd earth were thrown.
The monarch, ravish`d by the strain,
Bade them bring forth a golden chain,

To be his numbers` guerdon.

"The golden chain give not to me,

But give the chain to those
In whose bold face we shiver`d see

The lances of our foes.
Or give it to thy chancellor there;
With other burdens he may bear

This one more golden burden.

"I sing, like birds of blithesome note,

That in the branches dwell;
The song that rises from the throat

Repays the minstrel well.
One boon I`d crave, if not too bold—
One bumper in a cup of gold

Be as my guerdon given."

The bowl he raised, the bowl he quaff`d:

"Oh drink, with solace fraught!
Oh, house thrice-blest, where such a draught

A trifling gift is thought!
When Fortune smiles, remember me,
And as I thank you heartily,

As warmly thank ye Heaven!"
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