Hath hallowed in high spirit-realms our bond.
All this stands out before me e’en as clear
As only truth itself can be. And yet—
Horror o’erpowers me that these lips of mine
Must utterance give to sacrilegious words—
And yet—deep in my soul I hear a voice
Which tells me plainly and repeatedly
Despite my utmost will to fight it down:
‘Thou must give up Johannes, let him go.
No longer mayst thou keep him at thy side