Now that I am grown, have read much, Wander’d over many a coast, Doth my heart swell, and in earnest I believe the Holy Ghost. He hath done the greatest marvels, And still greater doeth he; He hath burst the tyrants’ strongholds, Servants from their yoke set free. Olden deadly wounds he healeth, And renews the olden law: All men equal are, and noble From the earliest breath they draw. Every evil cloud he chaseth, Drives the brain’s dark weft away, That corrupteth love and pleasure, Grinning at us night and day. Thousand knights well arm’d for battle Hath the Holy Ghost ordain’d, All his pleasure to accomplish, All by mighty zeal sustain’d. See, their trusty swords are gleaming! See, their noble banners wave! Ah, my child! hast thou seen ever Knights like this, so proud and brave? Now, my child, look on me boldly, Kiss me, look upon me nigh! Such a daring knight, my fair one, Of the Holy Ghost am I! 3. Silently the moon is hiding In the dark green fir-tree’s rear, And our lamp within the chamber Flickers faint, with glimmer drear. But my azure eyes are beaming With a light that brighter plays, And the purple rose is glowing, And the darling maiden says: “Little elves and little people “Pilfer all our bread and bacon; “In the drawer at night they’re lying, “But by morning all is taken. “Next our cream the little people “From the milk are wont to sup, “Leaving, too, the bowl uncover’d, “And the cat the rest drinks up. “And the cat a witch indeed is, “For she crawls, while night-storms lower, “Up the spirit-mountain yonder “To the ancient ruin’d tower. “There a castle erst was standing, “Full of joy and glittering arms; “Knights and squires, in merry torch-dance, “Mingled with the ladies’ charms. “Then a wicked old enchantress “Men and castle too bewitch’d; “Nought remaineth but the ruins, “Where the owls their nest have pitch’d. “Yet my late aunt used to tell us: “If the proper word is said “At the proper hour at nighttime “At the proper place o’erhead, “Then the ruins will be changèd “To a castle fair once more, “Knights and squires and ladies gaily “Will be dancing as of yore. “Him by whom that word is spoken “Men and castle will obey; “Drums and trumpets will proclaim him, “Heralding his sov’reign sway.” Thus the charming legends issue From the mouth so like a rose, While an azure starry radiance From her sweet eyes overflows. Round my hand the little maiden Twines her golden hair with glee, Calls by pretty names my fingers, Kisses, laughs, then mute is she.