Category Archives: Julius Mosen


Julius Mosen: “The Bridal Chamber”

Excerpt, The Poetry of Germany, Consisting from Upwards of Seventy of the Most Celebrated Poets.”  Translated into English Verse by Alfred Baskerville.  1853.

Sleeping-Beauty-Spence-L

THE BRIDAL CHAMBER

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Glowing waxen tapers tremble,

Calmly sleeps the fairest maid

Under flowers, wreaths, and spangles,

Gifts by fond affection laid.

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With the little wreath of myrtle

Round her glossy flaxen hair,

With a strange unearthly brightness

Death illumes her visage fair.

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Gentle tones play round the sleeper,

As of holy angels’ wings,

And the harp with wailing accents

Softly through the chamber rings.

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Maiden, did thy heart foretell thee

Such a bridal bed of pride?

That thy rest would be so regal,

Didst thou think of that, sweet bride?