Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


VISIONS: 4 by HEINRICH HEINE

First Line: IN DREAM I SAW A TINY MANIKIN
Last Line: "AND THOUSAND LAUGHING DEVILS CRIED ""AMEN!"
Subject(s): DREAMS; NIGHTMARES;

IN dream I saw a tiny manikin,
Who went on stilts, with steps a yard apart
White was his linen, and his dress was smart,
But he was coarse and most unclean within.
Yes, worthless inwardly, and full of sin;
Worthy to seem outside was his great art,
Of courage he discoursed, as from his heart,
Defiant, stubborn, 'neath a veil but thin.
"And know'st thou who he is? Come here and see!"
So spake the dream-god, slily showing me
Within a mirror's frame this vision then.
The manikin before an altar stood,
My love beside him, both said "Yes, they would,"
And thousand laughing devils cried "Amen!"



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