Religion
Confession
Translated by Frank C. Nicholson (1907) · From Old German Love Songs (1907)
Most blessed God, how seldom dost Thou hear me praying?
Since 'tis from Thee I have my singing and my saying,
How dare I wanton thus beneath the sceptre of Thy swaying?
I do not work good works; I have not true affection,
Lord Father, either for my fellow-Christians or for Thee.
I never felt such love for any as — for me!
Lord, Son and Father, let Thy Spirit give my heart correction!
How should I ever love a man who treats me ill?
To him who's kind I needs must bear a better will.
Forgive my other sins! — in this I'll keep the same mind still.
Codex Note
Original first line: Vil wol gelobter got, wie selten ich dich prise
Cite this poem
MLA
Vogelweide, Walther von der. “Confession.” Translated by Frank C. Nicholson. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/walther-von-der-vogelweide/4/.
Chicago
Vogelweide, Walther von der. “Confession.” Translated by Frank C. Nicholson. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/walther-von-der-vogelweide/4/.
Read this poem with the Codex →