Classic Poem

PARAPHRASED FROM THE GERMAN OF SCHILLER .

" Take the Earth! " uttered God, from the height of His throne,
As He looked on the children He made, from above:
" Take the Earth, with its treasures, and call it your own,
But divide it with justice and brotherly love! "

By myriads men came when they heard the decree, —
Age, manhood, and youth hurried on in the race;
The husbandman ruled o'er the corn-covered lea, —
The forest was given to the sons of the chase.

The merchant took all that his stores would contain,
While the priest — holy man! took the choicest of wine;
The king took the highways and byways for gain,
By a law which the people believed was divine.

At length, when each mortal rejoiced in his lot,
Came the poet, who loved not the boisterous throng;
But, alas! when he came he beheld not a spot,
Save the breadth of a grave, for the pilgrim of song.

Then he threw himself down at the throne of his Sire,
And cried to the Being who gave him his birth, —
" Oh! grant a poor outcast his only desire,
Let the child of Thy wrath be forgotten on earth. "

God said, " If thou liv'st in the empire of thought,
The cause of thy sorrow pertains not to me: —
Where, where hast thou stayed while My bidding was wrought? "
Said the Poet, " Oh, God! I was near unto Thee!

" If my eyes were entranced by Thy glory and might,
And my ears by the music that breathes in Thy skies;
If my soul was absorbed in Thy love and Thy light,
Forgive that the Earth disappeared from mine eyes. "

" Content thee, " God said, " for Earth's riches are given, —
As such was My pleasure, and hence My decree,
Thou shalt live with thy Lord in His own blessed heaven,
For whenever thou comest 'tis open to thee! "