Upon my heart, and upon my breast, Thou joy of all joys, my sweetest, best! Bliss, thou art love; O love, thou art bliss-- I've said it, and seal it here with a kiss. I thought no happiness mine could exceed, But now I am happy, O happy indeed! She only, who to her bosom hath pressed The babe who drinketh life at her breast; 'Tis only a mother the joys can know Of love, and real happiness here below. How I pity man, whose bosom reveals No joys like that which a mother feels! Thou look'st on me, with a smile on thy brow, Thou dear, dear little angel, thou! Upon my heart, and upon my breast, Thou joy of all joys, my sweetest, best! 7 Ah, thy first wound hast thou inflicted now! But oh! how deep! Hard-hearted, cruel man, now sleepest thou Death's long, long sleep. I gaze upon the void in silent grief, The world is drear; I've lived and loved, but now the verdant leaf Of life is sere. I will retire within my soul's recess, The veil shall fall; I'll live with thee and my past happiness, O thou, my all! [Illustration: _Permission Franz Hanfstaengl, New York_ MORITZ VON SCHWIND THE WEDDING JOURNEY] * * * * * THE WOMEN OF WEINSBERG[40] (1831) It was the good King Konrad with all his army lay Before the town of Weinsberg full many a weary day; The Guelph at last was vanquished, but still the town held out; The bold and fearless burghers they fought with courage stout. But then came hunger, hunger! That was a grievous guest; They went to ask for favor, but anger met their quest. "Through you the dust hath bitten full many a worthy knight, And if your gates you open, the sword shall you requite!" Then came the women, praying: "Let be as thou hast said, Yet give us women quarter, for we no blood have shed!" At sight of these poor wretches the hero's anger failed, And soft compassion entered and in his heart prevailed. "The women shall be pardoned, and each with her shall bear As much as she can carry of her most precious ware; The women with their burdens unhindered forth shall go, Such is our royal judgment--we swear it shall be so!" At early dawn next morning, ere yet the east was bright, The soldiers saw advancing a strange and wondrous sight; The gate swung slowly open, and from the vanquished town Forth swayed a long procession of women weighted down; For perched upon her shoulders each did her husband bear-- That was the thing most precious of all her household ware. "We'll stop the treacherous women!" cried all with one intent; The chancellor he shouted: "This was not what we meant!" But when they told King Konrad, the good King laughed aloud; "If this was not our meaning, they've made it so," he vowed, "A promise is a promise, our loyal word was pledge; It stands, and no Lord Chancellor may quibble or map hedge."