Page:The autobiography of a Pennsylvanian.djvu/153

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LITTERATEUR AND BOOK-HUNTER

21.   He further said: “God will you show
Three signs that you may easily know
And every man can see;
My head cut off will lie awhile
Then leap into my hat and smile.”
 
22.   “The second sign will be as clear
And on the sun itself appear.
Now to the third give heed;
The sun will be as red as blood,
The Stadel Brun be a red flood.”
 
23.   The judge turned to the lords, indeed:
“Do you to these three signs give heed
And see if they occur,
If all of this should happen so
Your souls may yet encounter woe.”
 
24.   The meal had now an end at last.
They wished to bind his two hands fast.
The Haslibacher spoke:
“I pray you Master Lorentz so
You me permit unbound to go.”
 
25.   “Prepared and ready I can be,
My death in truth rejoices me,
And I am full content;
And God will mercy still bestow
On those themselves who mercy show.”
 
26.   As he was to the scaffold led.
He took his hat from off his head,
Right there before the crowd.
“I pray you Master Lorentz that
You let me here put down my hat.”
 
27.   Then down he fell upon his knee
And offered prayers up two or three,
And longer yet he prayed.
“What cause is mine the good God sees,
Do with me now whate'er you please.”
 
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