Whither was it that my spirit wended <br /> When from thee my fleeting shadow moved? <br />Is not now each earthly conflict ended? <br /> Say,--have I not lived,--have I not loved? <br /> <br />Art thou for the nightingales inquiring <br /> Who entranced thee in the early year <br />With their melody so joy-inspiring? <br /> Only whilst they loved they lingered here. <br /> <br />Is the lost one lost to me forever? <br /> Trust me, with him joyfully I stray <br />There, where naught united souls can sever, <br /> And where every tear is wiped away. <br /> <br />And thou, too, wilt find us in yon heaven, <br /> When thy love with our love can compare; <br />There my father dwells, his sins forgiven,-- <br /> Murder foul can never reach him there. <br /> <br />And he feels that him no vision cheated <br /> When he gazed upon the stars on high; <br />For as each one metes, to him 'tis meted; <br /> Who believes it, hath the Holy nigh. <br /> <br />Faith is kept in those blest regions yonder <br /> With the feelings true that ne'er decay. <br />Venture thou to dream, then, and to wander <br /> Noblest thoughts oft lie in childlike play.<br /><br />Friedrich Schiller<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/thekla-a-spirit-voice/
