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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ROMANCERO: BOOK 2. LAMENTATIONS: LAZARUS. 9. THE COOLED-DOWN ONE by HEINRICH HEINE

First Line: WHEN WE ARE DEAD, WE LONG MUST LIE
Last Line: AND HAPPY BE, -- WITHOUT A RIOT.
Subject(s): DEATH; LOVE; SOUL; YOUTH; DEAD, THE;

WHEN we are dead, we long must lie
Within the tomb; distress'd am I,
Yes, sad am I that resurrection
Delays so long to give perfection.

Once more, before the light of life
Is quench'd, before this weary strife
Is o'er, fain would I, ere I perish,
Have woman's love, to bless and cherish.

Some fair one I would now invite
With eyes as soft as moonbeams' light;
No more I relish the advances
Of wild brunettes with burning glances.

Young men, exulting in their youth,
Prefer tumultuous love in truth,
With them excitement's all the fashion,
And soul-enthralling mutual passion.

No longer young, bereft of power,
As I, alas! am at this hour,
I fain once more would love in quiet,
And happy be, -- without a riot.



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