39Another of his poems is called
HEAVEN AND HELL.
i
Er ist gewaltic unde Starc
Spervogel. Twelfth century.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1869
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He is full of power and might
Who was born on Christmas night,
The holy Christ is He;
Praised of all things that be,
Save the devil, whose lothely pride
Brooked not once to bow the knee,
So must he in hell abide.
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In that hell is mickle woe,
Well doth he who dwells there know;
Shineth not the sun so bright,
Helpeth not the moon by night,
Not a star he there may see,
Foul is all that meets his sight,
Ah how fain in heaven were he!
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But in heaven there stands a Home,
A golden way thereto doth come,
The pillars are of marble fair,
Set about with jewels rare,
That our Lord for it doth win:
But no man may enter there,
Save that he be pure from sin.
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He who goeth to church full fain,
Pure from envy and from stain,
Gladsome life he well may have;
Him await beyond the grave,
Angel friends and blithesome morn,
Heavenly life so fair and brave;
Well for him that he was born!
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40
Alas! that I have served so long
A lord that is both fell and strong;
Evil wage from him I win,
Ah I rue me of my sin!
Holy Ghost, now succour me
Ere my woes in hell begin,
Break his bonds and set me free.
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