by Hans Christian Andersen. Translated by Mary Mowitt.
Originally published in Howitt's Journal (William Lovett) vol.1 #19 (08 May 1847).
To the sound of the muffled drum they throng.
The place is still far off! The way is long!
Oh! would he were dead and all was past!
—I think it will break my heart at last!
—No other friend in the world had I—
None other but him who is doomed to die.
—We were all called forth to see the show,
And even I was obliged to go.
—For the last time now he lifts his sight
To the joyful beams of the noonday light!
—Now they bind his eyes—no man he sees!—
May God unto thee give eternal peace!
—The nine have taken aim with care.
Eight useless bullets cut through the air;
They trembled all, their aim was untrue;
—But I—I struck his kind heart through!