LITTERATEUR AND BOOK-HUNTER
7. | The answer came both short and quick: |
“To my belief I mean to stick, | |
I hold it steadfastly, | |
If God approves, naught can alarm | |
And he will save me from all harm.” | |
8. | And that same Saturday at night |
An Angel of the Lord with might | |
To Haslibacher came, | |
And said: “The Lord me here did send | |
To strengthen you to meet your end.” | |
9. | “To give you help that will avail |
If in your faith you do not fail | |
But stand both fast and firm. | |
That faith is pleasing to the Lord. | |
He holds your soul in good accord.” | |
10. | “Although you will be driven hard |
And then must perish by the sword, | |
Be not thereat alarmed. | |
There I shall be right at your side | |
And all the pain you may abide.” | |
11. | While Monday's hours were passing o'er |
The learned men came still once more | |
To Haslibacher's cell, | |
And what they wanted was in brief | |
He should surrender his belief. | |
12. | “If not,” said they with the same breath, |
“Tomorrow you will suffer death.” | |
Then Haslibacher said: | |
“Before my own belief I scoff | |
You may indeed cut my head off.” | |
13. | That Monday night in darkness deep |
The Haslibacher lay asleep. | |
About the midnight hour | |
He dreamed it was all light, and they | |
Had come to take his head away. | |
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