Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE ORACLE by WALTHER VON DER VOGELWEIDE

First Line: BESET WITH DOUBTS, IN AGONY
Last Line: SO I AM HAPPY; ONLY--FAITH IS NEEDED!

Beset with doubts, in agony
I sat quite long alone and thought
How from her service I might be free,
Until a comfort gladness brought.
This thing a comfort I can hardly call,
'Tis scarce a baby comfort--oh, so small!
And if I tell you, you'll be mocking me:
Yet without cause no one can happy be.

A little stalk has made me glad to-day;
It promised happiness I never knew:
I measured with a stalk of straw in play,
As I had often seen the children do.
Now listen, if her heart my love has heeded:
"She loves--loves not--she loves!" Which way my hands would bend,
"She loves me!" always was the end.
So I am happy; only--faith is needed!



Home: PoetryExplorer.net