The Boatman

Driven by misfortune's whirlwind, Having neither oar nor rudder, By a storm my bark was driven Out upon the boundless sea. "midst black clouds a small star sparkled; "Don't conceal yourself!" I cried; But it disappeared, unheeding; And my anchor was lost, too. All was clothed in gloomy darkness; Great swells heaved all round; In the darkness yawned the depths I was hemmed in by cliffs. "There's no hope for my salvation!" I bemoaned, with heavy spirit... Madman! Providence Was your secret helmsman. With a hand invisible, 'midst the roaring waves, Through the gloomy, veiled depths Past the terrifying cliffs, My all-powerful savior guided me. Then-all's quiet ! gloom has vanished; I behold a paradisical realm... Three celestial angels. Providence - O, my protector! My dejected groaning ceases; On my knees, in exaltation, On their image I did gaze. Who could sing their charm? Or their power o'er the soul? All around them holy innocence And an aura divine. A delight as yet untasted - Live and breathe for them; Take into my soul and heart All their words and glances sweet. O fate! I've but one desire: Let them sample every blessing; Vouchsafe them delight - me suffering; Only let me die before they do.