Translated by A. Z. Foreman - Notre Dame lyrics

Here where barbarians knelt in Roman court Stands the basilica: original As joyous Adam, stretching nerves, the tall Groined archway bunches muscle as for sport. But things outside betray the secret plan: A pact of arch and bu*tress here forestalls The heavy ma** from flattening the walls In deadlock with the bold vault's battering ram. A well-turned maze. Primeval wood and stone. The Gothic spirit's rational abyss. Egyptian brawn and Christian timidness. Reed next to oak. The plumb-line takes the throne. But, stronghold Notre Dame, the more acutely I studied your great ribs' monstrosity, The more I thought: a time shall come for me To likewise make grim bulk a thing of beauty.