THE CASTLE BY THE SEA. FROM THE GERMAN OF UHLAND. "HAST thou seen that lordly castle, That Castle by the Sea? Golden and red above it The clouds float gorgeously. "And fain it would stoop downward To the mirrored wave below; And fain it would soar upward In the evening's crimson glow." "Well have I seen that castle, That Castle by the Sea, And the moon above it standing, "The winds and the waves of ocean, Had they a merry chime? Didst thou hear, from those lofty chambers, The harp and the minstrel's rhyme?" “The winds and the waves of ocean, They rested quietly, But I heard on the gale a sound of wail, "And sawest thou on the turrets The King and his royal bride? And the wave of their crimson mantles? And the golden crown of pride? "Led they not forth, in rapture, "Well saw I the ancient parents, Without the crown of pride; They were moving slow, in weeds of woe, No maiden was by their side!" THE BLACK KNIGHT. FROM THE GERMAN OF UHLAND. "T WAS Pentecost, the Feast of Gladness, When woods and fields put off all sadness. Thus began the King, and spake : "So from the halls Of ancient Hofburg's walls A luxuriant Spring shall break.” Drums and trumpets echo loudly, In the play of spears, Fell all the cavaliers, Before the monarch's stalwart son. To the barrier of the fight Rode at last a sable Knight. "Sir Knight! your name and scutcheon, say!" "Should I speak it here, Ye would stand aghast with fear; I am a Prince of mighty sway!" When he rode into the lists, The arch of heaven grew black with mists, And the castle 'gan to rock. At the first blow, Fell the youth from saddle-bow,- Pipe and viol call the dances, Torch-light through the high halls glances: Waves a mighty shadow in; With manner bland Doth ask the maiden's hand, Doth with her the dance begin; |