As firm as a rock I would be set

Against the world and its cruel dejection’s

More kindly proving latent virtues, set

With brilliant facets of the light, resolving factions.

Such longing for that life, true worth to know-

Character ruling every passion's season

For perfect care, great purposes to show

In flowering blooms of soul and noble reasons!

Eternal and unfading, such care met

The waking might, more clearly then to shine

In search of pure intent, whose hope reflects

Our best, though wrapped in shadows of design.

Still, the dawning visions pierce the night

Encompassing the true, all loss despite!

Durand von Meissen

(10)

When I was young I thought humanity

Would be my nurse, my comfort and sure strength;

My earnest hope was by the hour to length

Fleet days that all life’s wonder I might see.

I cherished kindness, lain upon the breast

Of upright admonitions and goodwill;

I danced with joy, with love I found my rest

And honor was my vision’s windowsill.

But then, too soon, their condemnation frowned

On ways I knew in youth, as if insane

To their adult, cruel outward forms that bound

False glory: my innocence' dread infamy.

Now tossed upon my bed I turn from shame

To boiling tears, my hope and faith betrayed!

Durand von Meissen

(11)

O hours, long hours that vex my wearied soul

With thoughts of contradiction; fawning days

Of youth are closed, in stocks of lies arraigned

To inquisition and condemning powers!

What tyrannous, what brutal, ruthless ways

That slam this wooden slavery over head;

Though pressing on, resolve shall bide the time

To contemplate their end, too stark with dread.

So mock, O State, my soul and purposed end

More cruel, discharge your rotten judgments fate;

A greater cause, at last, when first you rend

The back and front of self... my selves berate!

So dare upon my cheeks your thrice-six brand