Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE PROMISE by HEINRICH HEINE

First Line: YOU NO MORE SHALL BAREFOOT CRAWL
Last Line: AND THE WORTHY BURGOMASTER.
Subject(s): FREEDOM; GERMANY; LIBERTY; GERMANS;

YOU no more shall barefoot crawl so
Through the dirt, poor German freedom
Stockings (as you find you need 'em)
You shall have, and stout boots also.

As respects your head, upon it
To protect your ears from freezin'
In the chilly winter-season
You shall have a nice warm bonnet.

You shall have, too, savoury messes --
Grand the future that's before you
Let no Satyr, I implore you,
Lure you onward to excesses!

Do not haste on fast and faster!
Render, as becomes inferiors,
Due respect to your superiors
And the worthy burgomaster.



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