39Another of his poems is called
HEAVEN AND HELL.
i
Er ist gewaltic unde Starc
Spervogel. Twelfth century.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1869
He is full of power and might Who was born on Christmas night, The holy Christ is He; Praised of all things that be, Save the devil, whose lothely pride Brooked not once to bow the knee, So must he in hell abide. | In that hell is mickle woe, Well doth he who dwells there know; Shineth not the sun so bright, Helpeth not the moon by night, Not a star he there may see, Foul is all that meets his sight, Ah how fain in heaven were he! | But in heaven there stands a Home, A golden way thereto doth come, The pillars are of marble fair, Set about with jewels rare, That our Lord for it doth win: But no man may enter there, Save that he be pure from sin. | He who goeth to church full fain, Pure from envy and from stain, Gladsome life he well may have; Him await beyond the grave, Angel friends and blithesome morn, Heavenly life so fair and brave; Well for him that he was born! | 40 Alas! that I have served so long A lord that is both fell and strong; Evil wage from him I win, Ah I rue me of my sin! Holy Ghost, now succour me Ere my woes in hell begin, Break his bonds and set me free. | |