"Katharina"

The king sat proudly on his throne
with looks stonelike, beyond reproach,
and said he naught nor blink'd nor yawn'd,
for wasn't there foe forever known?

But then with no warning nor shout
the castle hold did melt below;
molten keep and crown begone,
and they unknown forever more.

Amidst the heap all lay the vanquish'd,
charred and broken, tired, forgotten;
for there she stood, glorious Beauty,
and her in their eyes forever more.

"Alas, young lass, we've no defense:
your lips too soft, your tread so light,
your eyes lush gardens of delight.
For what power is this that rends
our heart from hand, this cruel paresse,
your loveliness all blinds the bright!"


Clouds sift the sun, and grass does grow
and many years on the meadow waits,
springs well, winds dwell but the King sits
still by the castle thinking ever more

With pain does he who muses poorly
and pours what thoughts of drops that laid
where only night had blindly reigned.
He ponders, silent, and happy.

Then, softly do they float with him
on its lovely scent, this ever-blossom.