Text by Heinrich Heine (1797-1856)
translated into English by Joseph Massaad
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The sun arose near Paderborn With quite an annoyed expression. In fact, lighting the stupid earth Is an irksome profession! As soon as he’s lit one side up, With glittering speed, he sends his light To the other side. In the meantime, The first sinks deep into night. Sisyphus’ stone keeps rolling down, The Danaid’s barrel can never Be filled, and in vain will the sun Light the earth for ever! And when the morning mist had cleared, There appeared on the road-side, In the morning light, the image Of the man who was crucified. My poor cousin, I’m filled with sadness Every time I gaze upon your face. You hoped to redeem the world, you fool! You saviour of the human race! They played a nasty trick on you, Those lords of high Estate! Who asked you to talk so recklessly Against the Church and the State? For your misfortune the printing-press Was not yet invented then. You could have written a book Over the questions of Heaven. The censor would have stricken out The most offensive section, And the censorship would have kindly Prevented your crucifixion. If only your Sermon on the Mount Used a text softer in nature! You had talent and intellect enough To spare every pious creature! |
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