Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

From Egmont

ACT I. CLARA winds a skein, and sings with Brackenburg. THE drum gives the signal! Loud rings the shrill fife! My love leads his troops on Full arm'd for the strife, While his hand grasps his lance As they proudly advance. My bosom pants wildly! My blood hotly flows! Oh had I a doublet, A helmet, and hose! Through the gate with bold footstep I after him hied,-- Each province, each country Explored by his side. The coward foe trembled Then rattled our shot: What bliss e'er resembled A soldier's glad lot! ACT III. CLARA sings. Gladness And sadness And pensiveness blending Yearning And burning In torment ne'er ending; Sad unto death, Proudly soaring above; Happy alone Is the soul that doth love!