or a lump of lead which is not small.
I am much lighter than this little bug
which walks on the water with dry feet;
than the flint I am harder which drives this fire
from this strong, this hard, steel.
I am softer far than the downy feather80
that here in the wind flutters on the air.
I am everywhere broader than all the earth
and farther extend than this green meadow.[1]
I encircle … all round about
wondrously woven with wonderful skill.
Under me there is no other
more powerful wight among living things.
I am above the creatures all
which our Lord did create
who can me alone by His eternal power90
restrain by force from exceeding my bounds.
I am greater and stronger than the large whale
which looks on the bottom of the sea-deeps
with dim vision; I am mightier than he
even as I am less in my own strength
than the handworm which the sons of men
in skilful manner dig out with a knife.
I have on my head no white locks,
cunningly curled, but I am quite bald;
nor could I enjoy eyelids or eyebrows.90
But me the Creator deprived of them all.
Now wondrously grow on my head
so that they may shine on my shoulders,
full wondrously, curly locks.
I am bigger and fatter than the masty swine,
the grunting boar in the beech forest
that dark and rooting happy lives,
so that he … . . . .
- ↑ This line repeats l. 5 above.
