The Poems of Schiller — Third period. Friedrich von Schiller

planned,

          Sure to last forevermore.

         Soon complete the wondrous halls

          By the gods' own hands are made,

         And the temple's glowing walls

          Stand in festal pomp arrayed.

         With a crown of myrtle twined,

          Now the goddess queen comes there,

         And she leads the fairest hind

          To the shepherdess most fair.

         Venus, with her beauteous boy,

          That first pair herself attires;

         All the gods bring gifts of joy,

          Blessing their love's sacred fires.

         Guided by the deities,

          Soon the new-born townsmen pour,

         Ushered in with harmonies,

          Through the friendly open door.

         Holding now the rites divine,

          Ceres at Zeus' altar stands, —

         Blessing those around the shrine,

          Thus she speaks, with folded hands: —

         "Freedom's love the beast inflames,

          And the god rules free in air,

         While the law of Nature tames

          Each wild lust that lingers there.

         Yet, when thus together thrown,

          Man with man must fain unite;

         And by his own worth alone

          Can he freedom gain, and might."

         Wreathe in a garland the corn's golden ear!

          With it, the Cyane blue intertwine!

         Rapture must render each glance bright and clear,

          For the great queen is approaching her shrine, —

         She who our homesteads so blissful has given,