Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE CHANGELING by HEINRICH HEINE

First Line: A CHILD WITH MONSTROUS PUMPKIN HEAD
Last Line: FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE, DROWN IT OR ELSE BURN IT!
Subject(s): BABIES; CHILDREN; MONSTERS; INFANTS; CHILDHOOD;

A CHILD with monstrous pumpkin head,
Grey pigtail, and moustache light red,
With lanky arms and yet stupendous,
No bowels, yet with maw tremendous, --
A changling which a Corporal
Into our cradle had let fall
On stealing from it our own baby --
This monster, falsehood's child, (or may be
'Twas in reality the son
Of his own favourite dog alone) --
What need to say how much we spurn it?
For heaven's sake, drown it or else burn it!



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