Classic Poem

Schone Wiege meiner Leiden

Lovely cradle of my sorrow,
Lovely tomb where peace might dwell,
Smiling town, we part to-morrow;
I must leave, and so farewell.

Farewell threshold, where still slowly
Her beloved footstep stirs;
Farewell to that hushed and holy
Spot where first my eyes met hers.

Had you never caught or claimed me,
Fairest, heart's elected queen,
Wretchedness would not have maimed me
In its toils — as you have seen.

Never have you found me grieving
For your heart with loud despair;
All I asked was quiet living,
Quietly to breathe your air.

But you drove me forth with scourging,
Bitter words and lashing scorn;
Madness in my soul is surging,
And my heart is flayed and torn.

And I take my staff and stumble
On a journey, far from brave;
Till my head droops and I tumble
In some cool and kindly grave.