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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


APPENDIX TO 'LAZARUS': 1 by HEINRICH HEINE

First Line: HOLY PARABLES DISCARDING
Last Line: THAT IS NOT AN ANSWER, SURELY?
Subject(s): CRUCIFIXION; JESUS CHRIST; RELIGION; JESUS CHRIST - CRUCIFIXION; THEOLOGY;

HOLY parables discarding,
And each guess, however pious,
To these awful questions plainly
Seek with answers to supply us: --

Wherefore bends the Just One, bleeding
'Neath the cross's weight laborious,
While upon his steed the Wicked
Rides all-proudly and victorious?

Wherein lies the fault? It is not
That our God is not almighty?
Or hath he himself offended? --
Such a thought seems wild and flighty.

Thus are we for ever asking,
Till at length our mouths securely
With a clod of earth are fasten'd, --
That is not an answer, surely?



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