HEINRICH HEINE - Repositories

The smooth-gliding vessel,
And sportively drew it to the verdant banks.
Where folk dwelt in a lofty-towered
Overhanging town.
Oh miracle of peace! How quiet was the town!
Hushed was the dull murmur of chattering, sweltering
Trade.
And through the clean, resounding streets.
Walked people clad in white.
Bearing branches of palm.
And when two such would meet.
They looked at each other with ardent sympathy
And, trembling with love and self denial.
Kissed each other's brow.
And glanced upward
Towards the sun-heart of the Savior,
Which in glad propitiation irradiated downward
Its crimson blood:
And thrice they exclaimed,
"Praised be* Jesus Christ!"
Couldst thou have conceived this vision,
What wouldst thou have given.
Most dearly beloved,—
Thou who art so weak in body and mind.
And so strong in faith!
Thou who so singly honorest the Trinity,
Who kissest daily the pug and the reins and the paws
249