Johann Wolfgang von Gothe
WHAT time our Lord still walk'd the earth
Unknown despised of humble birth And on Him many a youth attended (His words they seldom comprehended) It ever seem'd to Him most meet To hold His court in open street As under heaven's broad canopy One speaks with greater liberty. The teachings of His blessed word From out His holy mouth were heard; Each market to a fane turn'd He With parable and simile. One day as tow'rd a town He roved In peace of mind with those He loved Upon the path a something gleam'd; A broken horseshoe 'twas it seem'd. So to St. Peter thus He spake: "That piece of iron prythee take!" St. Peter's thoughts had gone astray -- He had been musing on his way Respecting the world's government |
A dream that always gives content
For in the head 'tis check'd by nought;
This ever was his dearest thought
For him this prize was far too mean
Had it a crown and sceptre been!
But surely 'twasn't worth the trouble
For half a horseshoe to bend double!
And so he turn'd away his head
As if he heard not what was said
The Lord forbearing tow'rd all men
Himself pick'd up the horseshoe then
(He ne'er again like this stoop'd down).
And when at length they reach'd the town
Before a smithy He remain'd
And there a penny for 't obtain'd.
As they the market-place went by
Some beauteous cherries caught His eye:
Accordingly He bought as many
As could be purchased for a penny
And then as oft His wont had been
Placed them within His sleeve unseen.
They went out by another gate
O'er plains and fields proceeding straight
No house or tree was near the spot
The sun was bright the day was hot;
In short the weather being such
A draught of water was worth much.
The Lord walk'd on before them all
And let unseen a cherry fall.
St. Peter rush'd to seize it hold
As though an apple 'twere of gold;
His palate much approv'd the berry;
The Lord ere long another cherry
Once more let fall upon the plain;
For in the head 'tis check'd by nought;
This ever was his dearest thought
For him this prize was far too mean
Had it a crown and sceptre been!
But surely 'twasn't worth the trouble
For half a horseshoe to bend double!
And so he turn'd away his head
As if he heard not what was said
The Lord forbearing tow'rd all men
Himself pick'd up the horseshoe then
(He ne'er again like this stoop'd down).
And when at length they reach'd the town
Before a smithy He remain'd
And there a penny for 't obtain'd.
As they the market-place went by
Some beauteous cherries caught His eye:
Accordingly He bought as many
As could be purchased for a penny
And then as oft His wont had been
Placed them within His sleeve unseen.
They went out by another gate
O'er plains and fields proceeding straight
No house or tree was near the spot
The sun was bright the day was hot;
In short the weather being such
A draught of water was worth much.
The Lord walk'd on before them all
And let unseen a cherry fall.
St. Peter rush'd to seize it hold
As though an apple 'twere of gold;
His palate much approv'd the berry;
The Lord ere long another cherry
Once more let fall upon the plain;
St. Peter forthwith stoop'd again.
The Lord kept making him thus bend
To pick up cherries without end.
For a long time the thing went on;
The Lord then said in cheerful tone:
"Had'st thou but moved when thou wert bid
Thou of this trouble had'st been rid;
The man who small things scorns will next
By things still smaller be perplex'd."
1797
The Lord kept making him thus bend
To pick up cherries without end.
For a long time the thing went on;
The Lord then said in cheerful tone:
"Had'st thou but moved when thou wert bid
Thou of this trouble had'st been rid;
The man who small things scorns will next
By things still smaller be perplex'd."
1797
