Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE THREE SONGS, by JOHANN LUDWIG UHLAND


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE THREE SONGS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: King siegfried sat in his lofty hall
Last Line: "siegfried lies in his red, red blood!"
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Life; Singing & Singers


KING Siegfried sat in his lofty hall:
"Ye harpers! who sings the best song of all?"
Then a youth stepped forth with a scornful lip,
The harp in his hand, and the sword at his hip.

"Three songs I know; but this first song
Thou, O King! hast forgotten long:
Thou hast stabbed my brother with murderous hand, --
Hast stabbed my brother with murderous hand!

"The second song I learned aright
In the midst of a dark and stormy night
Thou must fight with me for life or death, --
Must fight with me for life or death!"

On the banquet-table he laid his harp,
And they both drew out their swords so sharp;
And they fought in the sight of the harpers all,
Till the King sank dead in the lofty hall.

"And now for the third, the proudest, best!
I shall sing it, sing it, and never rest:
King Siegfried lies in his red, red blood, --
Siegfried lies in his red, red blood!"





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