The angels

Text by Heinrich Heine (1797-1856)
Translated into English by Joseph Massaad 

deutsch - français


Obviously, as a doubting Thomas,
I do not believe in the Heaven
That has been promised to us
By the doctrines of Rome and Jerusalem.

However, I have never had a doubt
That angels exist and abound;
Immaculate creatures of light,
The wander on earth all around.

Madam, I would only deny
That these creatures have wings;
I have seen with my own eye
Many an angel without wings.

Lovingly with their beautiful gaze,
With their white hands, in a lovely way,
They protect the human race
And turn our ill fate away.

Their grace and favour comfort everyone,
Above all the one whose torment
Is double that of other men,
The one who men call poet.