The Works of J. W. von Goethe/Volume 9/From Egmont
FROM EGMONT.
ACT I.
Clara winds a skein and sings with Brackenburg.
The drum gives the signal!
Loud rings the shrill fife!
My love leads his troops on
Full armed for the strife,
While his hand grasps his lance
As they proudly advance.
My bosom pants wildly!
My blood hotly flows!
Oh, had I doublet,
A helmet, and hose!
Through the gate with bold footstep
I after him hied,—
Each province, each country
Explored by his side.
The coward foe trembled
When rattled our shot:
What bliss e'er resembled
A soldier's glad lot!
ACT III.
Clara sings.
Gladness
And sadness
And pensiveness blending;
Yearning
And burning
In torment ne'er ending;
Sad unto death.
Proudly soaring above;
Happy alone
Is the soul that doth love!