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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SCHILLER'S BURIAL by CONRAD FERDINAND MEYER

First Line: TWO DIM AND PALTRY TORCHES THAT THE RAGING STORM
Last Line: "FOLLOWED THIS COFFIN. ""TWAS THE SPIRIT OF MANKIND."
Subject(s): SCHILLER, JOHANN VON (1759-1805); SCHILLER, JOHANN CHRISTOPH FRIEDRICH VON;

Two dim and paltry torches that the raging storm
And rain at any moment threaten to put out,
A waving pall. A vulgar coffin made of pine
With not a wreath, not e'en the poorest, and no train--
As if a crime were swiftly carried to the grave!
The bearers hastened onward. One unknown alone,
Round whom a mantle waved of wide and noble fold,
Followed this coffin. "Twas the Spirit of Mankind.



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