Seite:Marsh Hallig 1856.djvu/296

296THE HALLIG.

another land, it was already loosed from the fetters of
earthly desires, was even here below, not a pilgrim trav-
eling toward heaven, but one already walking there.
The tears which fall upon thy clay, are not for thee
whose faith has now become sight, they are for the
world which has no resting-place, even for a heart that
asked so little. We arej indeed, strangers and pilgrims
upon earth.
  As the pastor stooped lower, less to observe the dead
more closely, than to conceal his own tears, he saw be-
side Maria the golden communion-cup which had
served the congregation since 1459.*
  This discovery struck him like a message from
heaven. His cheerful faith returned with overcoming
power. He eagerly seized the treasure so dear to him-
self and his people, and holding it high in his left
hand, raised the right as if in benediction over the
heads of the congregation who were surrounding him.
His face, beaming with joy, was turned toward the
heavens, through whose light clouds the sun was just
breaking, illuminating with its rays the terrible desola-
tion, and pouring at the same time a gleam over the
countenance of the pastor on which the holy joy within,
was brightly and clearly reflected. There he stood on
the highest portion of the ruined wharf, himself the
center of a wonderful picture. Near him the body of
Maria in a half sitting posture, like a faithful disciple
at the feet of the master; her countenance, too, turned
heavenward with the mild peace of death on her beau-
tiful features. The congregation were gathered round

  * This chalice is preserved in the Museum of Art and Antiquities, in
Copenhagen.