History & Politics
Ahi, Constantin!
Translated by Frank C. Nicholson (1907) · From Old German Love Songs (1907)
King Constantine, he gave of yore
Spear, Cross, and Crown, no less, no more,
Unto the See of Rome: I tell you truly.
Aloud thereat the Angel cried: —
"Woe, woe, and once more woe betide!
Once Christendom was governed well and duly.
Some poison now hath fallen in it:
The honey turns to gall within it.
This soon will fill the world with ruth!"
All princes now live honoured and renowned:
Only the highest is brought to shame.
The priests' election is to blame.
Sweet God, to Thee we cry, in sooth!
The priests would fain the layman's rights confound. —
The Angel told us nought but truth.
Codex Note
Original first line: Künc Constantîn, der gap sô vil
Cite this poem
MLA
Vogelweide, Walther von der. “Ahi, Constantin!” Translated by Frank C. Nicholson. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/walther-von-der-vogelweide/3/.
Chicago
Vogelweide, Walther von der. “Ahi, Constantin!” Translated by Frank C. Nicholson. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/walther-von-der-vogelweide/3/.
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