Littell's Living Age/Volume 127/Issue 1639/The Poet's Last Song

by Hans Christian Andersen

THE POET'S LAST SONG.

FROM THE DANISH OF HANS ANDERSEN.

Like to the leaf which falleth from the tree,
O God, such only is my earthly life.
Lord, I am ready when Thou callest me.
Lo! Thou canst see my heart's most bitter strife —
'Tis Thou alone canst know the load of sin.
Which this my aching breast doth hold within.

Shorten the pains of death, shake off my fear,
Give me the courage of a trusting child.
Father of Love, I fain would see Thee near.
In pity judge each thought and act defiled —
Mercy, I cry! dear Lord, Thy will be done,
Save me I pray, through Jesus Christ Thy Son.

A.W.

⁠Temple Bar.