Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BALLAD OF THE HARPER, by JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BALLAD OF THE HARPER, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What notes are those without the wall
Last Line: As now for this I thank you'
Subject(s): Singing & Singers; Songs


'WHAT notes are those without the wall,
Across the portal sounding?
Let's have the music in our hall,
Back from its roof rebounding'.
So spoke the king; the henchman flies;
His answer heard, the monarch cries;
'Bring in that ancient minstrel'.

'Hail, gracious king, each noble knight,
Each lovely dame, I greet you.
What glittering stars salute my sight.
What heart, unmoved, may meet you.
Such lordly pomp is not for me,
Far other scenes my eyes must see;
Yet deign to list my harping'.

The singer turns him to his art,
A thrilling strain he raises;
Each warrior hears with glowing heart,
And on his loved one gazes.
The king who liked his playing well,
Commands, for such a kindly spell,
A golden chain be given him.

'The golden chain give not to me;
Thy boldest knight may wear it,
Who crossed the battle's purple sea,
On lion-breast may bear it;
Or let it be thy chancellor's prize,
Amid his heaps to feast his eyes,
Its yellow glance will please him.

'I sing but as the linnet sings,
That on the green bough dwelleth;
A rich reward his music brings,
As from his throat it swelleth;
Yet might I ask, I'd ask of thine
One sparkling draught of purest wine,
To drink it here before you'.

He viewed the wine, he quaffed it up:
'O draught of sweetest savour,
O happy house where such a cup
Is thought a little favour.
If well you fare, remember me,
And thank kind heaven, from envy free,
As now for this I thank you'





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