Religion
Pious Warning
Translated by Edgar Alfred Bowring (1908) · From Romancero: Book II. Lamentations: Lazarus
When thou dost quit this mortal abode,
Immortal spirit, beware thee
Lest dangers seek to ensnare thee;
Through death and night conducteth the road.
The soldiers of God at the golden door
Of the city of light are collected;
Here actions and deeds are respected,
Mere name and station avail no more.
The pilgrim leaves at the portal behind
His shoes so heavy and dusty;
O enter with confidence trusty,
Soft slippers, sweet music, and rest thou’lt find.
Cite this poem
MLA
Heine, Heinrich. “Pious Warning.” Translated by Edgar Alfred Bowring. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/heine/524/.
Chicago
Heine, Heinrich. “Pious Warning.” Translated by Edgar Alfred Bowring. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/heine/524/.
Read this poem with the Codex →