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