The Legend of the Crossbill
from The German Of Julius Mosen
The Legend of the Crossbill - meaning Summary
Small Aid, Enduring Sign
Longfellow retells a brief religious legend in plain narrative: as Christ dies on the cross a small bird persistently tries to pry away the nail with its beak. Though it cannot free him, the bird becomes stained with Christ's blood and is blessed. The story explains the origin of the crossbill and its red markings, linking humble devotion and sacrificial love to a natural sign in the pine woods.
Read Complete AnalysesOn the cross the dying Saviour Heavenward lifts his eyelids calm, Feels, but scarcely feels, a trembling In his pierced and bleeding palm. And by all the world forsaken, Sees he how with zealous care At the ruthless nail of iron A little bird is striving there. Stained with blood and never tiring, With its beak it doth not cease, From the cross 't would free the Saviour, Its Creator's Son release. And the Saviour speaks in mildness: "Blest be thou of all the good! Bear, as token of this moment, Marks of blood and holy rood!" And that bird is called the crossbill; Covered all with blood so clear, In the groves of pine it singeth Songs, like legends, strange to hear.
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