Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PRIDE, by HEINRICH HEINE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PRIDE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O countess gudel of gudelfeld town
Last Line: She smells of garlic -- this gudelfeld!
Subject(s): Garlic; Pride; Wealth; Self-esteem; Self-respect; Riches; Fortunes


O COUNTESS GUDEL of Gudelfeld town,
Because you are wealthy, you're held in renown
With not less than four horses contented,
At court you are duly presented;
In carriage of gold you go lightly
To the castle, where waxlights gleam brightly;
Up the marble stairs rustle
Your clothes with their bustle,
And then at the top, on the landing
The servants in gay dresses standing
Shout: Madame la Comtesse de Gudelfeld!

Your fan in your hand, talking loudly,
Through the chamber you wander on proudly;
With diamonds gaily bedizen'd,
In pearls and Brussels lace prison'd,
Your snowy bosom with madness
Is heaving in uncontroll'd gladness.
What smiles, nods, polite interjections!
What curtsies and deep genuflexions!
The Duchess of Pavia
Calls you her cara mia;
The nobles and courtiers advancing
Invite you to join in the dancing;
And the heir to the crown (who's thought witty)
Says loudly: How graceful and pretty
Are all the stern movements of Gudelfeld!

But if, poor creature, you money did lack,
The world would straightway show you its back;
The very lackeys with loathing
Would spit on your clothing;
'Stead of bows and civility,
Nought but vulgar scurrility;
The Duchess would cross herself rudely,
And the Crown Prince take snuff, and say shrewdly;
She smells of garlic -- this Gudelfeld!





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