The Poetry Corner

The Maid Of Orleans.

By Friedrich Schiller

Humanity's bright image to impair. Scorn laid thee prostrate in the deepest dust; Wit wages ceaseless war on all that's fair, In angel and in God it puts no trust; The bosom's treasures it would make its prey, Besieges fancy, dims e'en faith's pure ray. Yet issuing like thyself from humble line, Like thee a gentle shepherdess is she Sweet poesy affords her rights divine, And to the stars eternal soars with thee. Around thy brow a glory she hath thrown; The heart 'twas formed thee, ever thou'lt live on! The world delights whate'er is bright to stain, And in the dust to lay the glorious low; Yet fear not! noble bosoms still remain, That for the lofty, for the radiant glow Let Momus serve to fill the booth with mirth; A nobler mind loves forms of nobler worth.