| from "PARZIVAL" - ll.1-14 | from "PARSIFAL" - (2) |
| 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. |
as a Shakespearean sonnet
All hearts that doubt at times may inward turn, and burdened with a crushing bitterness, in shameful grief and deep despair may burn to see themselves so clad in fearfulness. But dauntless men of courage surely know that, strong in heart, there is a healing balm to soothe the troubled spirit bowed with woe, and faith will temper fear with gentle calm. Despairing men and all the weak of heart see only hopeless darkness, deepest black, and wallow in their misery apart - forsaken and alone with no way back. So has it ever been for those who lack a measured balance of the white with black. |
Click here 3 for another translation of this poem.
Trans. Copyright © Peter H. Cole 2004