POEMS
OF
JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE
BOOK II
Book I | Book II | Book III | Book IV
Translated in the original metres by Edgar Alfred Bowring
DEDICATION.
1 The morn arrived; his footstep quickly scared
2 The gentle sleep that round my senses clung, And I, awak'ning, from my cottage fared,
3 And up the mountain side with light heart sprung; At every step I felt my gaze ensnared
4 By new-born flow'rs that full of dew-drops hung; The youthful day awoke with ecstacy, And all things quicken'd were, to quicken me.
5 And as I mounted, from the valley rose
6 A streaky mist, that upward slowly spread, Then bent, as though my form it would enclose,
7 Then, as on pinions, soar'd above my head: My gaze could now on no fair view repose, in mournful veil conceal'd, the world seem'd dead; The clouds soon closed around me, as a tomb, And I was left alone in twilight gloom.
8 At once the sun his lustre seem'd to pour,
9 And through the mist was seen a radiant light; Here sank it gently to the ground once more,
10 There parted it, and climb'd o'er wood and height. How did I yearn to greet him as of yore,
11 After the darkness waxing doubly bright! The airy conflict ofttimes was renew'd, Then blinded by a dazzling glow I stood.
12 Ere long an inward impulse prompted me
13 A hasty glance with boldness round to throw; At first mine eyes had scarcely strength to see,
14 For all around appear'd to burn and glow. Then saw I, on the clouds borne gracefully,
15 A godlike woman hov'ring to and fro. In life I ne'er had seen a form so fair-- She gazed at me, and still she hover'd there.
16 "Dost thou not know me?" were the words she said
17 In tones where love and faith were sweetly bound; "Knowest thou not Her who oftentimes hath shed
18 The purest balsam in each earthly wound? Thou knows't me well; thy panting heart I led
19 To join me in a bond with rapture crown'd. Did I not see thee, when a stripling, yearning To welcome me with tears, heartfelt and burning?"
20 "Yes!" I exclaim'd, whilst, overcome with joy,
21 I sank to earth; "I long have worshipp'd thee; Thou gav'st me rest, when passions rack'd the boy,
22 Pervading ev'ry limb unceasingly; Thy heav'nly pinions thou didst then employ
23 The scorching sunbeams to ward off from me. From thee alone Earth's fairest gifts I gain'd, Through thee alone, true bliss can be obtain'd.
24 "Thy name I know not; yet I hear thee nam'd
25 By many a one who boasts thee as his own; Each eye believes that tow'rd thy form 'tis aim'd,
26 Yet to most eyes thy rays are anguish-sown. Ah! whilst I err'd, full many a friend I claim'd,
27 Now that I know thee, I am left alone; With but myself can I my rapture share, I needs must veil and hide thy radiance fair.
28 She smiled, and answering said: "Thou see'st how wise,
29 How prudent 'twas but little to unveil! Scarce from the clumsiest cheat are clear'd thine eyes,
30 Scarce hast thou strength thy childish bars to scale, When thou dost rank thee 'mongst the deities,
31 And so man's duties to perform would'st fail! How dost thou differ from all other men? Live with the world in peace, and know thee then!"
32 "Oh, pardon me," I cried, "I meant it well:
33 Not vainly did'st thou bless mine eyes with light; For in my blood glad aspirations swell,
34 The value of thy gifts I know aright! Those treasures in my breast for others dwell,
35 The buried pound no more I'll hide from sight. Why did I seek the road so anxiously, If hidden from my brethren 'twere to be?"
36 And as I answer'd, tow'rd me turn'd her face,
37 With kindly sympathy, that god-like one; Within her eye full plainly could I trace
38 What I had fail'd in, and what rightly done. She smiled, and cured me with that smile's sweet grace,
39 To new-born joys my spirit soar'd anon; With inward confidence I now could dare To draw yet closer, and observe her there.
40 Through the light cloud she then stretch'd forth her hand,
41 As if to bid the streaky vapour fly: At once it seemed to yield to her command,
42 Contracted, and no mist then met mine eye. My glance once more survey'd the smiling land,
43 Unclouded and serene appear'd the sky. Nought but a veil of purest white she held, And round her in a thousand folds it swell'd.
44 "I know thee, and I know thy wav'ring will.
45 I know the good that lives and glows in thee!"-- Thus spake she, and methinks I hear her still--
46 "The prize long destined, now receive from me; That blest one will be safe from ev'ry ill,
47 Who takes this gift with soul of purity,--" The veil of Minstrelsy from Truth's own hand, Of sunlight and of morn's sweet fragrance plann'd.
48 "And when thou and thy friends at fierce noon-day
49 Are parched with heat, straight cast it in the air! Then Zephyr's cooling breath will round you play,
50 Distilling balm and flowers' sweet incense there; The tones of earthly woe will die away,
51 The grave become a bed of clouds so fair, To sing to rest life's billows will be seen, The day be lovely, and the night serene."--
52 Come, then, my friends! and whensoe'er ye find
53 Upon your way increase life's heavy load; If by fresh-waken'd blessings flowers are twin'd
54 Around your path, and golden fruits bestow'd, We'll seek the coming day with joyous mind!
55 Thus blest, we'll live, thus wander on our road And when our grandsons sorrow o'er our tomb, Our love, to glad their bosoms, still shall bloom.
SONGS. ----- Late resounds the early strain; Weal and woe in song remain. ----- SOUND, SWEET SONG.
56 Sound, sweet song, from some far land, Sighing softly close at hand,
57 Now of joy, and now of woe!
58 Stars are wont to glimmer so.
59 Sooner thus will good unfold; Children young and children old Gladly hear thy numbers flow.
1820.* -----
60 * In the cases in which the date is marked thus (*), it signifies the original date of publication--the year of composition not being known. In other cases, the date given is that of the actual composition. All the poems are arranged in the order of the recognised German editions. ----- TO THE KIND READER.
61 No one talks more than a Poet; Fain he'd have the people know it.
62 Praise or blame he ever loves; None in prose confess an error, Yet we do so, void of terror,
63 In the Muses' silent groves.
64 What I err'd in, what corrected, What I suffer'd, what effected,
65 To this wreath as flow'rs belong; For the aged, and the youthful, And the vicious, and the truthful,
66 All are fair when viewed in song.
THE NEW AMADIS.
67 In my boyhood's days so drear
68 I was kept confined; There I sat for many a year,
69 All alone I pined, As within the womb.
70 Yet thou drov'st away my gloom,
71 Golden phantasy! I became a hero true,
72 Like the Prince Pipi, And the world roam'd through,
73 Many a crystal palace built,
74 Crush'd them with like art, And the Dragon's life-blood spilt
75 With my glitt'ring dart. Yes! I was a man!
76 Next I formed the knightly plan
77 Princess Fish to free; She was much too complaisant,
78 Kindly welcomed me,-- And I was gallant.
79 Heav'nly bread her kisses proved,
80 Glowing as the wine; Almost unto death I loved.
81 Sun-s appeared to shine In her dazzling charms.
82 Who hath torn her from mine arms?
83 Could no magic band Make her in her flight delay?
84 Say, where now her land? Where, alas, the way?
WHEN THE FOX DIES, HIS SKIN COUNTS.*
(* The name of a game, known in English as "Jack's alight.")
85 We young people in the shade
86 Sat one sultry day; Cupid came, and "Dies the Fox"
87 With us sought to play.
88 Each one of my friends then sat
89 By his mistress dear; Cupid, blowing out the torch,
90 Said: "The taper's here!"
91 Then we quickly sent around
92 The expiring brand; Each one put it hastily
93 ln his neighbour's hand.
94 Dorilis then gave it me,
95 With a scoffing jest; Sudden into flame it broke,
96 By my fingers press'd.
97 And it singed my eyes and face,
98 Set my breast on fire; Then above my head the blaze
99 Mounted ever higher.
100 Vain I sought to put it out;
101 Ever burned the flame; Stead of dying, soon the Fox
102 Livelier still became.
THE HEATHROSE.
103 Once a boy a Rosebud spied,
104 Heathrose fair and tender, All array'd in youthful pride,-- Quickly to the spot he hied,
105 Ravished by her splendour. Rosebud, rosebud, rosebud red,
106 Heathrose fair and tender!
107 Said the boy, "I'll now pick thee,
108 Heathrose fair and tender!" Said the rosebud, "I'll prick thee, So that thou'lt remember me,
109 Ne'er will I surrender!" Rosebud, rosebud, rosebud red,
110 Heathrose fair and tender!
111 Now the cruel boy must pick
112 Heathrose fair and tender; Rosebud did her best to prick,-- Vain 'twas 'gainst her fate to kick--
113 She must needs surrender. Rosebud, rosebud, rosebud red,
114 Heathrose fair and tender!
BLINDMAN'S BUFF.
115 OH, my Theresa dear! Thine eyes, I greatly fear,
116 Can through the bandage see! Although thine eyes are bound, By thee I'm quickly found,
117 And wherefore shouldst thou catch but me?
118 Ere long thou held'st me fast, With arms around me cast,
119 Upon thy breast I fell; Scarce was thy bandage gone, When all my joy was flown,
120 Thou coldly didst the blind repel.
121 He groped on ev'ry side, His limbs he sorely tried,
122 While scoffs arose all round; If thou no love wilt give, In sadness I shall live,
123 As if mine eyes remain'd still bound.
CHRISTEL.
124 My senses ofttimes are oppress'd,
125 Oft stagnant is my blood; But when by Christel's sight I'm blest,
126 I feel my strength renew'd. I see her here, I see her there,
127 And really cannot tell The manner how, the when, the where,
128 The why I love her well.
129 If with the merest glance I view
130 Her black and roguish eyes, And gaze on her black eyebrows too,
131 My spirit upward flies. Has any one a mouth so sweet,
132 Such love-round cheeks as she? Ah, when the eye her beauties meet,
133 It ne'er content can be.
134 And when in airy German dance
135 I clasp her form divine, So quick we whirl, so quick advance,
136 What rapture then like mine! And when she's giddy, and feels warm,
137 I cradle her, poor thing, Upon my breast, and in mine arm,--
138 I'm then a very king!
139 16 And when she looks with love on me,
140 Forgetting all but this, When press'd against my bosom, she
141 Exchanges kiss for kiss, All through my marrow runs a thrill,
142 Runs e'en my foot along! I feel so well, I feel so ill,
143 I feel so weak, so strong!
144 Would that such moments ne'er would end!
145 The day ne'er long I find; Could I the night too with her spend,
146 E'en that I should not mind. If she were in mine arms but held,
147 To quench love's thirst I'd try; And could my torments not be quell'd,
148 Upon her breast would die.
THE COY ONE.
149 One Spring-morning bright and fair,
150 Roam'd a shepherdess and sang; Young and beauteous, free from care,
151 Through the fields her clear notes rang: So, Ia, Ia! le ralla, &c.
152 Of his lambs some two or three
153 Thyrsis offer'd for a kiss; First she eyed him roguishly,
154 Then for answer sang but this: So, Ia, Ia! le ralla, &c.
155 Ribbons did the next one offer,
156 And the third, his heart so true But, as with the lambs, the scoffer
157 Laugh'd at heart and ribbons too,-- Still 'twas Ia! le ralla, &c.
THE CONVERT.
158 As at sunset I was straying
159 Silently the wood along, Damon on his flute was playing,
160 And the rocks gave back the song, So la, Ia! &c.
161 Softly tow'rds him then he drew me;
162 Sweet each kiss he gave me then! And I said, "Play once more to me!"
163 And he kindly play'd again, So la, la! &c.
164 All my peace for aye has fleeted,
165 All my happiness has flown; Yet my ears are ever greeted
166 With that olden, blissful tone, So la, la! &c.
PRESERVATION.
167 My maiden she proved false to me;
168 To hate all joys I soon began,
169 Then to a flowing stream I ran,-- The stream ran past me hastily.
170 There stood I fix'd, in mute despair;
171 My head swam round as in a dream;
172 I well-nigh fell into the stream, And earth seem'd with me whirling there.
173 Sudden I heard a voice that cried--
174 I had just turn'd my face from thence--
175 It was a voice to charm each sense: "Beware, for deep is yonder tide!"
176 A thrill my blood pervaded now,
177 I look'd and saw a beauteous maid
178 I asked her name--twas Kate, she said-- "Oh lovely Kate! how kind art thou!
179 "From death I have been sav'd by thee,
180 'Tis through thee only that I live;
181 Little 'twere life alone to give, My joy in life then deign to be!"
182 And then I told my sorrows o'er,
183 Her eyes to earth she sweetly threw;
184 I kiss'd her, and she kiss'd me too, And--then I talked of death no more.
THE MUSES' SON.
[Goethe quotes the beginning of this song in his Autobiography, as expressing the manner in which his poetical effusions used to pour out from him.]
185 Through field and wood to stray, And pipe my tuneful lay,--
186 'Tis thus my days are pass'd; And all keep tune with me, And move in harmony,
187 And so on, to the last.
188 To wait I scarce have power The garden's earliest flower,
189 The tree's first bloom in Spring; They hail my joyous strain,-- When Winter comes again,
190 Of that sweet dream I sing.
191 My song sounds far and near, O'er ice it echoes clear,
192 Then Winter blossoms bright; And when his blossoms fly, Fresh raptures meet mine eye,
193 Upon the well-till'd height.
194 When 'neath the linden tree, Young folks I chance to see,
195 I set them moving soon; His nose the dull lad curls, The formal maiden whirls,
196 Obedient to my tune.
197 Wings to the feet ye lend, O'er hill and vale ye send
198 The lover far from home; When shall I, on your breast,.
199 Ye kindly muses, rest, And cease at length to roam?
FOUND.
200 Once through the forest
201 Alone I went; To seek for nothing
202 My thoughts were bent.
203 I saw i' the shadow
204 A flower stand there As stars it glisten'd,
205 As eyes 'twas fair.
206 I sought to pluck it,--
207 It gently said: "Shall I be gather'd
208 Only to fade?"
209 With all its roots
210 I dug it with care, And took it home
211 To my garden fair.
212 In silent corner
213 Soon it was set; There grows it ever,
214 There blooms it yet.
LIKE AND LIKE.
215 A fair bell-flower
216 Sprang tip from the ground; And early its fragrance
217 It shed all around; A bee came thither
218 And sipp'd from its bell; That they for each other
219 Were made, we see well.
220 1814. ----- RECIPROCAL INVITATION TO THE DANCE.
THE INDIFFERENT.
221 Come to the dance with me, come with me, fair one!
222 Dances a feast-day like this may well crown. If thou my sweetheart art not, thou canst be so,
223 But if thou wilt not, we still will dance on. Come to the dance with me, come with me, fair one!
224 Dances a feast-day like this may well crown.
THE TENDER.
225 Loved one, without thee, what then would all feast be?
226 Sweet one, without thee, what then were the dance? If thou my sweetheart wert not, I would dance not.
227 If thou art still so, all life is one feast. Loved one, without thee, what then would all feasts be?
228 Sweet one, without thee, what then were the dance?
THE INDIFFERENT.
229 Let them but love, then, and leave us the dancing!
230 Languishing love cannot bear the glad dance. Let us whirl round in the waltz's gay measure,
231 And let them steal to the dim-lighted wood. Let them but love, then, and leave us the dancing!
232 Languishing love cannot bear the glad dance.
THE TENDER.
233 Let them whirl round, then, and leave us to wander!
234 Wand'ring to love is a heavenly dance. Cupid, the near one, o'erhears their deriding,
235 Vengeance takes suddenly, vengeance takes soon. Let them whirl round, then, and leave us to wander!
236 Wand'ring to love is a heavenly dance.
SELF-DECEIT.
237 My neighbour's curtain, well I see,
238 Is moving to and fin. No doubt she's list'ning eagerly,
239 If I'm at home or no.
240 And if the jealous grudge I bore
241 And openly confess'd, Is nourish'd by me as before,
242 Within my inmost breast.
243 Alas! no fancies such as these
244 E'er cross'd the dear child's thoughts. I see 'tis but the ev'ning breeze
245 That with the curtain sports.
DECLARATION OF WAR.
246 Oh, would I resembled
247 The country girls fair, Who rosy-red ribbons
248 And yellow hats wear!
249 To believe I was pretty
250 I thought was allow'd; In the town I believed it
251 When by the youth vow'd.
252 Now that Spring hath return'd,
253 All my joys disappear; The girls of the country
254 Have lured him from here.
255 To change dress and figure,
256 Was needful I found, My bodice is longer,
257 My petticoat round.
258 My hat now is yellow.
259 My bodice like snow; The clover to sickle
260 With others I go.
261 Something pretty, e'er long
262 Midst the troop he explores; The eager boy signs me
263 To go within doors.
264 I bashfully go,--
265 Who I am, he can't trace; He pinches my cheeks,
266 And he looks in my face.
267 The town girl now threatens
268 You maidens with war; Her twofold charms pledges .
269 Of victory are.
DECLARATION OF WAR.
LOVER IN ALL SHAPES.
270 To be like a fish, Brisk and quick, is my wish; If thou cam'st with thy line. Thou wouldst soon make me thine. To be like a fish, Brisk and quick, is my wish.
271 Oh, were I a steed! Thou wouldst love me indeed. Oh, were I a car Fit to bear thee afar! Oh, were I a steed! Thou wouldst love me indeed.
272 I would I were gold That thy fingers might hold! If thou boughtest aught then, I'd return soon again. I would I were gold That thy fingers might hold!
273 I would I were true, And my sweetheart still new! To be faithful I'd swear, And would go away ne'er. I would I were true, And my sweetheart still new!
274 I would I were old, And wrinkled and cold, So that if thou said'st No, I could stand such a blow! I would I were old, And wrinkled and cold.
275 An ape I would be, Full of mischievous glee; If aught came to vex thee, I'd plague and perplex thee. An ape I would be, Full of mischievous glee
276 As a lamb I'd behave, As a lion be brave, As a lynx clearly see, As a fox cunning be. As a lamb I'd behave, As a lion be brave.
277 Whatever I were, All on thee I'd confer; With the gifts of a prince My affection evince. Whatever I were, All on thee I'd confer.
278 As nought diff'rent can make me, As I am thou must take me! If I'm not good enough, Thou must cut thine own stuff. As nought diff'rent can make me, As I am thou must take me!
THE GOLDSMITH'S APPRENTICE.
279 My neighbour, none can e'er deny,
280 Is a most beauteous maid; Her shop is ever in mine eye,
281 When working at my trade.
282 To ring and chain I hammer then
283 The wire of gold assay'd, And think the while: "For Kate, oh when
284 Will such a ring be made?"
285 And when she takes her shutters down,
286 Her shop at once invade, To buy and haggle, all the town,
287 For all that's there displayd.
288 I file, and maybe overfile
289 The wire of gold assay'd; My master grumbles all the while,--
290 Her shop the mischief made.
291 To ply her wheel she straight begins,
292 When not engaged in trade; I know full well for what she spins,--
293 'Tis hope guides that dear maid.
294 Her leg, while her small foot treads on,
295 Is in my mind portray'd; Her garter I recall anon,--
296 I gave it that dear maid.
297 Then to her lips the finest thread
298 Is by her hand convey'd. Were I there only in its stead,
299 How I would kiss the maid!
ANSWERS IN A GAME OF QUESTIONS.
THE LADY.
300 In the small and great world too,
301 What most charms a woman's heart? It is doubtless what is new,
302 For its blossoms joy impart; Nobler far is what is true,
303 For fresh blossoms it can shoot
304 Even in the time of fruit.
THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN.
306 With the Nymphs in wood and cave
307 Paris was acquainted well, Till Zeus sent, to make him rave,
308 Three of those in Heav'n who dwell; And the choice more trouble gave
309 Than e'er fell to mortal lot,
310 Whether in old times or not.
THE EXPERIENCED.
311 Tenderly a woman view,
312 And thoult win her, take my word; He who's quick and saucy too,
313 Will of all men be preferr'd; Who ne'er seems as if he knew
314 If he pleases, if he charms,--
315 He 'tis injures, he 'tis harms.
THE CONTENTED.
316 Manifold is human strife,
317 Human passion, human pain; Many a blessing yet is rife,
318 Many pleasures still remain. Yet the greatest bliss in life,
319 And the richest prize we find,
320 Is a good, contented mind.
THE MERRY COUNSEL.
321 He by whom man's foolish will
322 Is each day review'd and blamed, Who, when others fools are still,
323 Is himself a fool proclaim'd,-- Ne'er at mill was beast's back press'd
324 With a heavier load than he. What I feel within my breast
325 That in truth's the thing for me!
DIFFERENT EMOTIONS ON THE SAME SPOT.
THE MAIDEN.
326 I've seen him before me! What rapture steals o'er me!
327 Oh heavenly sight! He's coming to meet me; Perplex'd, I retreat me,
328 With shame take to flight. My mind seems to wander! Ye rocks and trees yonder,
329 Conceal ye my rapture.
330 Conceal my delight!
THE YOUTH.
331 'Tis here I must find her, 'Twas here she enshrined her,
332 Here vanish'd from sight. She came, as to meet me, Then fearing to greet me,
333 With shame took to flight. Is't hope? Do I wander? Ye rocks and trees yonder,
334 Disclose ye the loved one,
335 Disclose my delight!
THE LANGUISHING.
336 O'er my sad, fate I sorrow, To each dewy morrow,
337 Veil'd here from man's sight By the many mistaken, Unknown and forsaken,
338 Here I wing my flight! Compassionate spirit! Let none ever hear it,--
339 Conceal my affliction,
340 Conceal thy delight!
THE HUNTER.
341 To-day I'm rewarded; Rich booty's afforded
342 By Fortune so bright. My servant the pheasants, And hares fit for presents
343 Takes homeward at night; Here see I enraptured In nets the birds captured!--
344 Long life to the hunter!
345 Long live his delight!
WHO'LL BUY GODS OF LOVE?
346 Of all the beauteous wares Exposed for sale at fairs, None will give more delight Than those that to your sight From distant lands we bring. Oh, hark to what we sing! These beauteous birds behold, They're brought here to be sold.
347 And first the big one see, So full of roguish glee! With light and merry bound He leaps upon the ground; Then springs up on the bougd, We will not praise him now. The merry bird behold,-- He's brought here to be sold.
348 And now the small one see! A modest look has he, And yet he's such apother As his big roguish brother. 'Tis chiefly when all's still He loves to show his will. The bird so small and bold,-- He's brought here to be sold.
349 Observe this little love, This darling turtle dove! All maidens are so neat, So civil, so discreet Let them their charms set loose, And turn your love to use; The gentle bird behold,-- She's brought here to be sold.
350 Their praises we won't tell; They'll stand inspection well. They're fond of what is new,-- And yet, to show they're true, Nor seal nor letter's wanted; To all have wings been granted. The pretty birds behold,-- Such beauties ne'er were sold!
THE MISANTHROPE.
351 At first awhile sits he,
352 With calm, unruffled brow; His features then I see, Distorted hideously,--
353 An owl's they might be now.
354 What is it, askest thou? Is't love, or is't ennui?
355 'Tis both at once, I vow.
DIFFERENT THREATS.
356 I once into a forest far
357 My maiden went to seek, And fell upon her neck, when: "Ah!"
358 She threaten'd, "I will shriek!"
359 Then cried I haughtily: "I'll crush
360 The man that dares come near thee!" "Hush!" whisper'd she: "My loved one, hush!
361 Or else they'll overhear thee!"
MAIDEN WISHES.
362 What pleasure to me A bridegroom would be! When married we are, They call us mamma. No need then to sew, To school we ne'er go; Command uncontroll'd, Have maids, whom to scold; Choose clothes at our ease, Of what tradesmen we please; Walk freely about, And go to each rout, And unrestrained are By papa or mamma.
MOTIVES.
363 If to a girl who loves us truly Her mother gives instruction duly In virtue, duty, and what not,-- And if she hearkens ne'er a jot, But with fresh-strengthen'd longing flies
364 To meet our kiss that seems to burn,--
365 Caprice has just as much concerned As love in her bold enterprise.
366 But if her mother can succeed In gaining for her maxims heed, And softening the girl's heart too, So that she coyly shuns our view,-- The heart of youth she knows but ill;
367 For when a maiden is thus stern,
368 Virtue in truth has less concern In this, than an inconstant will.
TRUE ENJOYMENT.
369 Vainly wouldst thou, to gain a heart,
370 Heap up a maiden's lap with gold; The joys of love thou must impart,
371 Wouldst thou e'er see those joys unfold. The voices of the throng gold buys,
372 No single heart 'twill win for thee; Wouldst thou a maiden make thy prize,
373 Thyself alone the bribe must be.
374 If by no sacred tie thou'rt bound,
375 Oh youth, thou must thyself restrain! Well may true liberty be found,
376 Tho' man may seem to wear a chain. Let one alone inflame thee e'er,
377 And if her heart with love o'erflows, Let tenderness unite you there,
378 If duty's self no fetter knows.
379 First feel, oh youth! A girl then find
380 Worthy thy choice,--let her choose thee, In body fair, and fair in mind,
381 And then thou wilt be blessed, like me. I who have made this art mine own,
382 A girl have chosen such as this The blessing of the priest alone
383 Is wanting to complete our bliss.
384 Nought but my rapture is her guide,
385 Only for me she cares to please,-- Ne'er wanton save when by my side,
386 And modest when the world she sees; That time our glow may never chill,
387 She yields no right through frailty; Her favour is a favour still,
388 And I must ever grateful be.
389 Yet I'm content, and full of joy,
390 If she'll but grant her smile so sweet, Or if at table she'll employ,
391 To pillow hers, her lover's feet, Give me the apple that she bit,
392 The glass from which she drank, bestow, And when my kiss so orders it,
393 Her bosom, veil'd till then, will show.
394 And when she wills of love to speak,
395 In fond and silent hours of bliss, Words from her mouth are all I seek,
396 Nought else I crave,--not e'en a kiss. With what a soul her mind is fraught,
397 Wreath'd round with charms unceasingly! She's perfect,--and she fails in nought
398 Save in her deigning to love me.
399 My rev'rence throws me at her feet,
400 My longing throws me on her breast; This, youth, is rapture true and sweet,
401 Be wise, thus seeking to be blest. When death shall take thee from her side,
402 To join the angelic choir above, In heaven's bright mansions to abide,-- No diff'rence at the change thoult prove.
THE FAREWELL.
[Probably addressed to his mistress Frederica.]
403 Let mine eye the farewell say,
404 That my lips can utter ne'er; Fain I'd be a man to-day,
405 Yet 'tis hard, oh, hard to bear!
406 Mournful in an hour like this
407 Is love's sweetest pledge, I ween; Cold upon thy mouth the kiss,
408 Faint thy fingers' pressure e'en.
409 Oh what rapture to my heart
410 Used each stolen kiss to bring! As the violets joy impart,
411 Gather'd in the early spring.
412 Now no garlands I entwine,
413 Now no roses pluck. for thee, Though 'tis springtime, Fanny mine,
414 Dreary autumn 'tis to me!
THE BEAUTIFUL NIGHT.
415 Now I leave this cottage lowly,
416 Where my love hath made her home, And with silent footstep slowly
417 Through the darksome forest roam, Luna breaks through oaks and bushes,
418 Zephyr hastes her steps to meet, And the waving birch-tree blushes,
419 Scattering round her incense sweet.
420 Grateful are the cooling breezes
421 Of this beauteous summer night, Here is felt the charm that pleases,
422 And that gives the soul delight. Boundless is my joy; yet, Heaven,
423 Willingly I'd leave to thee Thousand such nights, were one given
424 By my maiden loved to me!
HAPPINESS AND VISION.
425 Together at the altar we In vision oft were seen by thee,
426 Thyself as bride, as bridegroom I. Oft from thy mouth full many a kiss In an unguarded hour of bliss
427 I then would steal, while none were by.
428 The purest rapture we then knew, The joy those happy hours gave too,
429 When tasted, fled, as time fleets on. What now avails my joy to me? Like dreams the warmest kisses flee,
430 Like kisses, soon all joys are gone.
LIVING REMEMBRANCE.
431 Half vex'd, half pleased, thy love will feel, Shouldst thou her knot or ribbon steal; To thee they're much--I won't conceal;
432 Such self-deceit may pardon'd be; A veil, a kerchief, garter, rings, In truth are no mean trifling things,
433 But still they're not enough for me.
434 She who is dearest to my heart, Gave me, with well dissembled smart, Of her own life, a living part,
435 No charm in aught beside I trace; How do I scorn thy paltry ware! A lock she gave me of the hair
436 That wantons o'er her beauteous face.
437 If, loved one, we must sever'd be, Wouldst thou not wholly fly from me, I still possess this legacy,
438 To look at, and to kiss in play.-- My fate is to the hair's allied, We used to woo her with like pride,
439 And now we both are far away.
440 Her charms with equal joy we press'd, Her swelling cheeks anon caress'd, Lured onward by a yearning blest,
441 Upon her heaving bosom fell. Oh rival, free from envy's sway, Thou precious gift, thou beauteous prey.
442 Remain my joy and bliss to tell!
THE BLISS OF ABSENCE.
443 Drink, oh youth, joy's purest ray From thy loved one's eyes all day,
444 And her image paint at night! Better rule no lover knows, Yet true rapture greater grows,
445 When far sever'd from her sight.
446 Powers eternal, distance, time, Like the might of stars sublime,
447 Gently rock the blood to rest, O'er my senses softness steals, Yet my bosom lighter feels,
448 And I daily am more blest.
449 Though I can forget her ne'er, Yet my mind is free from care,
450 I can calmly live and move; Unperceived infatuation Longing turns to adoration,
451 Turns to reverence my love.
452 Ne'er can cloud, however light, Float in ether's regions bright,
453 When drawn upwards by the sun, As my heart in rapturous calm. Free from envy and alarm,
454 Ever love I her alone!
TO LUNA.
455 Sister of the first-born light,
456 Type of sorrowing gentleness!
457 Quivering mists in silv'ry dress Float around thy features bright; When thy gentle foot is heard,
458 From the day-closed caverns then
459 Wake the mournful ghosts of men, I, too, wake, and each night-bird.
460 O'er a field of boundless span
461 Looks thy gaze both far and wide.
462 Raise me upwards to thy side! Grant this to a raving man! And to heights of rapture raised,
463 Let the knight so crafty peep
464 At his maiden while asleep, Through her lattice-window glazed.
465 Soon the bliss of this sweet view,
466 Pangs by distance caused allays;
467 And I gather all thy rays, And my look I sharpen too. Round her unveil'd limbs I see
468 Brighter still become the glow,
469 And she draws me down below, As Endymion once drew thee.
THE WEDDING NIGHT.
470 Within the chamber, far away
471 From the glad feast, sits Love in dread Lest guests disturb, in wanton play,
472 The silence of the bridal bed. His torch's pale flame serves to gild
473 The scene with mystic sacred glow; The room with incense-clouds is fil'd,
474 That ye may perfect rapture know.
475 How beats thy heart, when thou dost hear
476 The chime that warns thy guests to fly! How glow'st thou for those lips so dear,
477 That soon are mute, and nought deny! With her into the holy place
478 Thou hast'nest then, to perfect all; The fire the warder's hands embrace,
479 Grows, like a night-light, dim and small.
480 How heaves her bosom, and how burns
481 Her face at every fervent kiss! Her coldness now to trembling turns,
482 Thy daring now a duty is. Love helps thee to undress her fast,
483 But thou art twice as fast as he; And then he shuts both eye at last,
484 With sly and roguish modesty.
MISCHIEVOUS JOY.
485 AS a butterfly renew'd,
486 When in life I breath'd my last,
487 To the spots my flight I wing,
488 Scenes of heav'nly rapture past,
489 Over meadows, to the spring, Round the hill, and through the wood.
490 Soon a tender pair I spy,
491 And I look down from my seat
On the beauteous maiden's head--
When embodied there I meet
All I lost as soon as dead, Happy as before am I.
Him she clasps with silent smile,
And his mouth the hour improves,
Sent by kindly Deities;
First from breast to mouth it roves,
Then from mouth to hands it flies, And I round him sport the while.
And she sees me hov'ring near;
Trembling at her lovers rapture,
Up she springs--I fly away,
"Dearest! let's the insect capture
Come! I long to make my prey Yonder pretty little dear!"
APPARENT DEATH.
WEEP, maiden, weep here o'er the tomb of Love;
He died of nothing--by mere chance was slain. But is he really dead?--oh, that I cannot prove:
A nothing, a mere chance, oft gives him life again.
NOVEMBER SONG.
To the great archer--not to him
To meet whom flies the sun, And who is wont his features dim
With clouds to overrun--
But to the boy be vow'd these rhymes,
Who 'mongst the roses plays, Who hear us, and at proper times
To pierce fair hearts essays.
Through him the gloomy winter night,
Of yore so cold and drear, Brings many a loved friend to our sight,
And many a woman dear.
Henceforward shall his image fair
Stand in yon starry skies, And, ever mild and gracious there,
Alternate set and rise.
TO THE CHOSEN ONE. [This sweet song is doubtless one of those addressed to Frederica.]
HAND in hand! and lip to lip!
Oh, be faithful, maiden dear! Fare thee well! thy lover's ship
Past full many a rock must steers But should he the haven see,
When the storm has ceased to break, And be happy, reft of thee,--
May the Gods fierce vengeance take!
Boldly dared is well nigh won!
Half my task is solved aright; Ev'ry star's to me a sun,
Only cowards deem it night. Stood I idly by thy side,
Sorrow still would sadden me; But when seas our paths divide,
Gladly toil I,--toil for thee!
Now the valley I perceive,
Where together we will go, And the streamlet watch each eve,
Gliding peacefully below Oh, the poplars on yon spot!
Oh, the beech trees in yon grove! And behind we'll build a cot,
Where to taste the joys of love!
FIRST LOSS.
AH! who'll e'er those days restore,
Those bright days of early love Who'll one hour again concede,
Of that time so fondly cherish'd! Silently my wounds I feed, And with wailing evermore
Sorrow o'er each joy now perish'd. Ah! who'll e'er the days restore
Of that time so fondly cherish'd.
AFTER-SENSATIONS.
WHEN the vine again is blowing,
Then the wine moves in the cask; When the rose again is glowing,
Wherefore should I feel oppress'd?
Down my cheeks run tears all-burning,
If I do, or leave my task; I but feel a speechless yearning,
That pervades my inmost breast.
But at length I see the reason,
When the question I would ask: 'Twas in such a beauteous season,
Doris glowed to make me blest!
PROXIMITY OF THE BELOVED ONE.
I THINK of thee, whene'er the sun his beams
O'er ocean flings; I think of thee, whene'er the moonlight gleams
In silv'ry springs.
I see thee, when upon the distant ridge
The dust awakes; At midnight's hour, when on the fragile bridge
The wanderer quakes.
I hear thee, when yon billows rise on high,
With murmur deep. To tread the silent grove oft wander I,
When all's asleep.
I'm near thee, though thou far away mayst be--
Thou, too, art near! The sun then sets, the stars soon lighten me.
Would thou wert here!
PRESENCE.
ALL things give token of thee! As soon as the bright sun is shining, Thou too wilt follow, I trust.
When in the garden thou walk'st, Thou then art the rose of all roses, Lily of lilies as well.
When thou dost move in the dance, Then each constellation moves also; With thee and round thee they move.
Night! oh, what bliss were the night! For then thou o'ershadow'st the lustre, Dazzling and fair, of the moon.
Dazzling and beauteous art thou, And flowers, and moon, and the planets Homage pay, Sun, but to thee.
Sun! to me also be thou Creator of days bright and glorious; Life and Eternity this!
TO THE DISTANT ONE.
AND have I lost thee evermore?
Hast thou, oh fair one, from me flown? Still in mine ear sounds, as of yore,
Thine ev'ry word, thine ev'ry tone.
As when at morn the wand'rer's eye
Attempts to pierce the air in vain, When, hidden in the azure sky,
The lark high o'er him chaunts his strain:
So do I cast my troubled gaze
Through bush, through forest, o'er the lea; Thou art invoked by all my lays;
Oh, come then, loved one, back to me!
BY THE RIVER.
FLOW on, ye lays so loved, so fair,
On to Oblivion's ocean flow! May no rapt boy recall you e'er,
No maiden in her beauty's glow!
My love alone was then your theme,
But now she scorns my passion true. Ye were but written in the stream;
As it flows on, then, flow ye too!
FAREWELL.
To break one's word is pleasure-fraught,
To do one's duty gives a smart; While man, alas! will promise nought,
That is repugnant to his heart.
Using some magic strains of yore,
Thou lurest him, when scarcely calm, On to sweet folly's fragile bark once more,
Renewing, doubling chance of harm.
Why seek to hide thyself from me?
Fly not my sight--be open then! Known late or early it must be,
And here thou hast thy word again.
My duty is fulfill'd to-day,
No longer will I guard thee from surprise; But, oh, forgive the friend who from thee turns away,
And to himself for refuge flies!
THE EXCHANGE.
THE stones in the streamlet I make my bright pillow, And open my arms to the swift-rolling billow,
That lovingly hastens to fall on my breast. Then fickleness soon bids it onwards be flowing; A second draws nigh, its caresses bestowing,--
And so by a twofold enjoyment I'm blest.
And yet thou art trailing in sorrow and sadness The moments that life, as it flies, gave for gladness,
Because by thy love thou'rt remember'd no more! Oh, call back to mind former days and their blisses! The lips of the second will give as sweet kisses
As any the lips of the first gave before!
WELCOME AND FAREWELL.
[Another of the love-songs addressed to Frederica.]
QUICK throbb'd my heart: to norse! haste, haste,
And lo! 'twas done with speed of light; The evening soon the world embraced,
And o'er the mountains hung the night. Soon stood, in robe of mist, the oak,
A tow'ring giant in his size, Where darkness through the thicket broke,
And glared with hundred gloomy eyes.
From out a hill of clouds the moon
With mournful gaze began to peer: The winds their soft wings flutter'd soon,
And murmur'd in mine awe-struck ear; The night a thousand monsters made,
Yet fresh and joyous was my mind; What fire within my veins then play'd!
What glow was in my bosom shrin'd!
I saw thee, and with tender pride
Felt thy sweet gaze pour joy on me; While all my heart was at thy side.
And every breath I breath'd for thee. The roseate hues that spring supplies
Were playing round thy features fair, And love for me--ye Deities!
I hoped it, I deserved it ne'er!
But, when the morning sun return'd,
Departure filled with grief my heart: Within thy kiss, what rapture burn'd!
But in thy look, what bitter smart! I went--thy gaze to earth first roved
Thou follow'dst me with tearful eye: And yet, what rapture to be loved!
And, Gods, to love--what ecstasy!
NEW LOVE, NEW LIFE.
[Written at the time of Goethe's connection with Lily.]
HEART! my heart! what means this feeling?
What oppresseth thee so sore? What strange life is o'er me stealing!
I acknowledge thee no more. Fled is all that gave thee gladness, Fled the cause of all thy sadness,
Fled thy peace, thine industry--
Ah, why suffer it to be?
Say, do beauty's graces youthful,
Does this form so fair and bright, Does this gaze, so kind, so truthful,
Chain thee with unceasing might? Would I tear me from her boldly, Courage take, and fly her coldly,
Back to her. I'm forthwith led
By the path I seek to tread.
By a thread I ne'er can sever,
For 'tis 'twined with magic skill, Doth the cruel maid for ever
Hold me fast against my will. While those magic chains confine me, To her will I must resign me.
Ah, the change in truth is great!
Love! kind love! release me straight!
TO BELINDA.
[This song was also written for Lily. Goethe mentions, at the end of his Autobiography, that he overheard her singing it one evening after he had taken his last farewell of her.]
WHEREFORE drag me to yon glittering eddy,
With resistless might? Was I, then, not truly blest already
In the silent night?
In my secret chamber refuge taking,
'Neath the moon's soft ray, And her awful light around me breaking,
Musing there I lay.
And I dream'd of hours with joy o'erflowing,
Golden, truly blest, While thine image so beloved was glowing
Deep within my breast.
Now to the card-table hast thou bound me,
'Midst the torches glare? Whilst unhappy faces are around me,
Dost thou hold me there?
Spring-flow'rs are to me more rapture-giving,
Now conceal'd from view; Where thou, angel, art, is Nature living,
Love and kindness too.
MAY SONG.
How fair doth Nature
Appear again! How bright the sunbeams!
How smiles the plain!
The flow'rs are bursting
From ev'ry bough, And thousand voices
Each bush yields now.
And joy and gladness
Fill ev'ry breast! Oh earth!--oh sunlight!
Oh rapture blest!
Oh love! oh loved one!
As golden bright, As clouds of morning
On yonder height!
Thou blessest gladly
The smiling field,-- The world in fragrant
Vapour conceal'd.
Oh maiden, maiden,
How love I thee! Thine eye, how gleams it!
How lov'st thou me!
The blithe lark loveth
Sweet song and air, The morning flow'ret
Heav'n's incense fair,
As I now love thee
With fond desire, For thou dost give me
Youth, joy, and fire,
For new-born dances
And minstrelsy. Be ever happy,
As thou lov'st me!
WITH A PAINTED RIBBON.
LITTLE leaves and flow'rets too,
Scatter we with gentle hand, Kind young spring-gods to the view,
Sporting on an airy band.
Zephyr, bear it on the wing,
Twine it round my loved one's dress; To her glass then let her spring,
Full of eager joyousness.
Roses round her let her see,
She herself a youthful rose. Grant, dear life, one look to me!
'Twill repay me all my woes,
What this bosom feels, feel thou.
Freely offer me thy hand; Let the band that joins us now
Be no fragile rosy band!
WITH A GOLDEN NECKLACE.
THIS page a chain to bring thee burns,
That, train'd to suppleness of old, On thy fair neck to nestle, yearns,
In many a hundred little fold.
To please the silly thing consent!
'Tis harmless, and from boldness free; By day a trifling ornament,
At night 'tis cast aside by thee.
But if the chain they bring thee ever,
Heavier, more fraught with weal or woe, I'd then, Lisette, reproach thee never
If thou shouldst greater scruples show.
ON THE LAKE,
[Written on the occasion of Goethe's starting with his friend Passavant on a Swiss Tour.]
I DRINK fresh nourishment, new blood
From out this world more free; The Nature is so kind and good
That to her breast clasps me! The billows toss our bark on high,
And with our oars keep time, While cloudy mountains tow'rd the sky
Before our progress climb.
Say, mine eye, why sink'st thou down? Golden visions, are ye flown?
Hence, thou dream, tho' golden-twin'd;
Here, too, love and life I find.
Over the waters are blinking
Many a thousand fair star; Gentle mists are drinking
Round the horizon afar. Round the shady creek lightly
Morning zephyrs awake, And the ripen'd fruit brightly
Mirrors itself in the lake.
FROM THE MOUNTAIN.
[Written just after the preceding one, on a mountain overlooking the Lake of Zurich.]
IF I, dearest Lily, did not love thee,
How this prospect would enchant my sight! And yet if I, Lily, did not love thee,
Could I find, or here, or there, delight?
FLOWER-SALUTE.
THIS nosegay,--'twas I dress'd it,--
Greets thee a thousand times! Oft stoop'd I, and caress'd it,
Ah! full a thousand times, And 'gainst my bosom press'd it
A hundred thousand times!
IN SUMMER.
How plain and height With dewdrops are bright! How pearls have crown'd The plants all around! How sighs the breeze Thro' thicket and trees! How loudly in the sun's clear rays The sweet birds carol forth their lays!
But, ah! above, Where saw I my love, Within her room, Small, mantled in gloom, Enclosed around, Where sunlight was drown'd, How little there was earth to me, With all its beauteous majesty!
MAY SONG
BETWEEN wheatfield and corn, Between hedgerow and thorn, Between pasture and tree, Where's my sweetheart Tell it me!
Sweetheart caught I
Not at home; She's then, thought I.
Gone to roam. Fair and loving
Blooms sweet May; Sweetheart's roving,
Free and gay.
By the rock near the wave, Where her first kiss she gave, On the greensward, to me,-- Something I see! Is it she?
PREMATURE SPRING.
DAYS full of rapture,
Are ye renew'd ?-- Smile in the sunlight
Mountain and wood?
Streams richer laden
Flow through the dale, Are these the meadows?
Is this the vale?
Coolness cerulean!
Heaven and height! Fish crowd the ocean,
Golden and bright.
Birds of gay plumage
Sport in the grove, Heavenly numbers
Singing above.
Under the verdure's
Vigorous bloom, Bees, softly bumming,
Juices consume.
Gentle disturbance
Quivers in air, Sleep-causing fragrance,
Motion so fair.
Soon with more power
Rises the breeze, Then in a moment
Dies in the trees.
But to the bosom
Comes it again. Aid me, ye Muses,
Bliss to sustain!
Say what has happen'd
Since yester e'en? Oh, ye fair sisters,
Her I have seen!
AUTUMN FEELINGS.
FLOURISH greener, as ye clamber, Oh ye leaves, to seek my chamber,
Up the trellis'd vine on high! May ye swell, twin-berries tender, Juicier far,--and with more splendour
Ripen, and more speedily! O'er ye broods the sun at even As he sinks to rest, and heaven
Softly breathes into your ear All its fertilising fullness, While the moon's refreshing coolness,
Magic-laden, hovers near; And, alas! ye're watered ever
By a stream of tears that rill From mine eyes--tears ceasing never,
Tears of love that nought can still!
RESTLESS LOVE.
THROUGH rain, through snow, Through tempest go! 'Mongst streaming caves, O'er misty waves, On, on! still on! Peace, rest have flown!
Sooner through sadness
I'd wish to be slain, Than all the gladness
Of life to sustain All the fond yearning
That heart feels for heart, Only seems burning
To make them both smart.
How shall I fly? Forestwards hie? Vain were all strife! Bright crown of life. Turbulent bliss,-- Love, thou art this!
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