| from "PARZIVAL" - ll.1-14 | from "PARSIFAL" - (1) |
| Wolfram von Eschenbach | trans. Peter H. Cole |
|
Ist zwîvel herzen nâchgebûr, daz muoz der sêle werden sûr. gesmæhet unde gezieret ist, swâ sich parrieret unverzaget mannes muot, als agelstern varwe tuot. der mac dennoch wesen geil: wande an im sint beidiu teil, des himels und der helle. der unstæte geselle hât die swarzen varwe gar, und wirt ouch nâch der vinster var: sô habet sich an die blanken der mit stæten gedanken. |
All doubting hearts may inward turn with fearful bitterness they burn - and so in shame and deep despair to see themselves are cloaked with care. The dauntless man of courage knows that strong in heart, his hope may grow - there is yet Healing to be gained while even measure still remains of Hell and Heaven, dark and light. The fickle fellow sees no white amid the black, and grieves alone in hopeless darkness on his own. So must it be for those who lack a balance of the white with black. |
Click here 2 for another translation of this poem.
Trans. Copyright © Peter H. Cole 2004