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第15节

hermann and dorothea-第15节

小说: hermann and dorothea 字数: 每页4000字

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inger was plump and detained it; Next took the mother's ring also; and with them betrothed he the children; Saying: 〃These golden circlets once more their office performing Firmly a tie shall unite; which in all things shall equal the old one; Deeply is this young man imbued with love of the maiden; And; as the maiden confesses; her heart is gone out to him also。 Here do I therefore betroth you and bless for the years that are coming; With the consent of the parents; and having this friend as a witness。〃

Then the neighbor saluted at once; and expressed his good wishes; But when the clergyman now the golden circlet was drawing Over the maiden's hand; he observed with amazement the other; Which had already by Hermann been anxiously marked at the fountain。 And with a kindly raillery thus thereupon he addressed her: 〃So; then thy second betrothal is this? let us hope the first bridegroom May not appear at the altar; and so prohibit the marriage。〃

But she; answering; said: 〃Oh; let me to this recollection Yet one moment devote; for so much is due the good giver; Him who bestowed it at parting; and never came back to his kindred。 All that should come he foresaw; when in haste the passion for freedom; When a desire in the newly changed order of things to be working; Urged him onward to Paris; where chains and death he encountered。 'Fare thee well;' were his words; 'I go; for all is in motion Now for a time on the earth; and every thing seems to be parting。 E'en in the firmest states fundamental laws are dissolving; Property falls away from the hand of the ancient possessor; Friend is parted from friend; and so parts lover from lover。 Here I leave thee; and where I shall find thee again; or if ever; Who can tell? Perhaps these words are our last ones together。 Man's but a stranger here on the earth; we are told and with reason; And we are each of us now become more of strangers than ever。 Ours no more is the soil; and our treasures are all of them changing: Silver and gold are melting away from their time…honored patterns。 All is in motion as though the already…shaped world into chaos Meant to resolve itself backward into night; and to shape itself over。 Mine thou wilt keep thine heart; and should we be ever united Over the ruins of earth; it will be as newly made creatures; Beings transformed and free; no longer dependent on fortune; For can aught fetter the man who has lived through days such as these are! But if it is not to be; that; these dangers happily over; Ever again we be granted the bliss of mutual embraces; Oh; then before thy thoughts so keep my hovering image That with unshaken mind thou be ready for good or for evil! Should new ties allure thee again; and a new habitation; Enter with gratitude into the joys that fate shall prepare thee; Love those purely who love thee; be grateful to them who show kindness。 But thine uncertain foot should yet be planted but lightly; For there is lurking the twofold pain of a new separation。 Blessings attend thy life; but value existence no higher Than thine other possessions; and all possessions are cheating!' Thus spoke the noble youth; and never again I beheld him。 Meanwhile I lost my all; and a thousand times thought of his warning。 Here; too; I think of his words; when love is sweetly preparing Happiness for me anew; and glorious hopes are reviving; Oh forgive me; excellent friend; that e'en while I hold thee Close to my side I tremble! So unto the late…landed sailor Seem the most solid foundations of firmest earth to be rocking。'

Thus she spoke; and placed the two rings on her finger together。 But her lover replied with a noble and manly emotion: 〃So much the firmer then; amid these universal convulsions; Be; Dorothea; our union! We two will hold fast and continue; Firmly maintaining ourselves; and the right to our ample possessions。 For that man; who; when times are uncertain; is faltering in spirit; Only increases the evil; and further and further transmits it; While he refashions the world; who keeps himself steadfastly minded。 Poorly becomes it the German to give to these fearful excitements Aught of continuance; or to be this way and that way inclining。 This is our own! let that be our word; and let us maintain it! For to those resolute peoples respect will be ever accorded; Who for God and the laws; for parents; women and children; Fought and died; as together they stood with their front to the foeman。 Thou art mine own; and now what is mine; is mine more than ever。 Not with anxiety will I preserve it; and trembling enjoyment; Rather with courage and strength。 To…day should the enemy threaten; Or in the future; equip me thyself and hand me my weapons。 Let me but know that under thy care are my house and dear parents; Oh! I can then with assurance expose my breast to the foeman。 And were but every man minded like me; there would be an upspring Might against might; and peace should revisit us all with its gladness。〃





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