s: In the pure bosom doth a yearning float,


s: The Ever-Nameless then unriddled seeing;


s: I feel a share in, when before her sight.


s: Before her sight, as 'neath the sun's hot ray,


s: Before her breath, as 'neath the spring's soft wind,


s: Self-love, so long in icy chains confin'd;


s: No selfishness and no self-will are nigh,


s: For at her advent they were forced to fly.


s: It seems as though she said: "As hours pass by


s: They spread before us life with kindly plan;


s: Small knowledge did the yesterday supply,


s: To know the morrow is conceal'd from man;


s: And if the thought of evening made me start,


s: The sun at setting gladden'd straight my heart.


s: "Act, then, as I, and look, with joyous mind,


s: The moment in the face; nor linger thou!


s: Meet it with speed, so fraught with life, so kind


s: Let all things be where thou art, childlike ever,


s: Thus thoult be all, thus, thou'lt be vanquish'd never."


s: Thou speakest well, methought, for as thy guide


s: And each one feels himself when by thy side,


s: Why should I care such wisdom vast to know?


s: The present minute? I could scarcely tell;


s: These but offend, and I would fain repel.


s: Yearnings unquenchable still drive me on,


s: All counsel, save unbounded tears, is gone.


s: Flow on, flow on in never-ceasing course,


s: Where death and life contend in combat dire.


s: Medicines may serve the body's pangs to still;


s: Nought but the spirit fails in strength of will,--


s: Fails in conception; wherefore fails it so?


s: Enchanting now, and now compell'd to go,


s: Now indistinct, now clothed in purest rays!


s: How could the smallest comfort here be flowing?


s: The ebb and flood, the coming and the going!


s: Leave me here now, my life's companions true!


s: Leave me alone on rock, in moor and heath;


s: But courage! open lies the world to you,


s: The glorious heavens above, the earth beneath;


s: Observe, investigate, with searching eyes,


s: Who the immortals' fav'rite erst was thought;


s: They, tempting, sent Pandoras to my cost,


s: So rich in wealth, with danger far more fraught;


s: They urged me to those lips, with rapture crown'd,


s: Deserted me, and hurl'd me to the ground.


s: An anguish'd heart whose loss hath been so great?


s: Where are the hours that fled so swiftly by?


s: In vain the fairest thou didst gain from fate;


s: Sad is the soul, confused the enterprise;


s: The glorious world, how on the sense it dies!


s: To pierce man's being to its inmost core,


s: The eye grows moist, in yearnings blest reveres


s: And so the lighten'd heart soon learns to see


s: That it still lives, and beats, and ought to beat,


s: In grateful payment for a gift so sweet.


s: And then was felt,--oh may it constant prove!--


s: By street and by lane held in awe, sirs;


s: And may be seen, like old Frederick the Great,


s: Yet the beauteous maidens, they keep afar;


s: THE happiness that man, whilst prison'd here,


s: Is wont with heavenly rapture to compare,--


s: The harmony of Truth, from wavering clear,--


s: Of Friendship that is free from doubting care,--


s: The light which in stray thoughts alone can cheer


s: The wise,--the bard alone in visions fair,--


s: In my best hours I found in her all this,


s: And made mine own, to mine exceeding bliss.


s: HOPE provides wings to thought, and love to hope.


s: Rise up to Cynthia, love, when night is clearest,


s: And say, that as on high her figure changeth,


s: So, upon earth, my joy decays and grows.


s: And whisper in her ear with modest softness,


s: How doubt oft hung its head, and truth oft wept.


s: And oh ye thoughts, distrustfully inclined,


s: If ye are therefore by the loved one chided,


s: Answer: 'tis true ye change, but alter not,


s: As she remains the same, yet changeth ever.


s: Doubt may invade the heart, but poisons not,


s: For love is sweeter, by suspicion flavour'd.


s: And heaven's bright purity perversely blackens,


s: Then zephyr-sighs straight scare the clouds away,


s: And, changed to tears, dissolve them into rain.


s: Thought, hope, and love remain there as before,


s: I view'd the countless skulls, so strangely mated,


s: And of old times I thought, that now were grey.


s: Close pack'd they stand, that once so fiercely hated,


s: And hardy bones, that to the death contended,


s: Are lying cross'd,--to lie for ever, fated.


s: What held those crooked shoulder-blades suspended?


s: No one now asks; and limbs with vigour fired,


s: The hand, the foot--their use in life is ended.


s: Vainly ye sought the tomb for rest when tired;


s: Peace in the grave may not be yours; ye're driven


s: But none can love the wither'd husk, though even


s: Which not to all its holy sense explained,


s: When 'mid the crowd, their icy shadows flinging,


s: I saw a form, that glorious still remained.


s: And even there, where mould and damp were clinging,


s: Gave me a blest, a rapture-fraught emotion,


s: As though from death a living fount were springing.


s: What mystic joy I felt! What rapt devotion!


s: That form, how pregnant with a godlike trace!


s: A look, how did it whirl me tow'rd that ocean


s: Whose rolling billows mightier shapes embrace!


s: Except to steal thee from thy prison here


s: Back to the air, free thoughts, and sunlight clear.


s: What greater gain in life can man e'er know


s: Than when God-Nature will to him explain


s: How steadfast, too, the Spirit-Born remain.


s: Oh, grant me, God in Heaven, that I may ne'er


s: version of a poem which Carlyle describes to be 'a beautiful


s: piece (a very Hans Sacks beatified, both in character and style),


s: reader will be aware that Hans Sachs was the celebrated Minstrel-


s: between 4000 and 5000 lyric poems. He flourished throughout


s: Lets wax'd thread, hammer, and pincers rest,


s: A little world, that broods there amain,


s: He had a tongue that charm'd when 'twas heard,


s: And graceful and light flow'd ev'ry word;


s: That thou shouldst have clear-sighted sense,


s: And nought that's wrong shouldst e'er commence.


s: Thy gaze shall see through each illusion


s: Nought polish up, nought vainly scribble.


s: The world shall stand before thee, then,


s: His shifts, confusions, thrustings, and drubbings,


s: Pushings, tearings, pressings, and rubbings;


s: Write these things down for folks on earth,


s: She dragg'd a large and wooden carved-table,


s: Where, with wide sleeves and human mien,


s: Adam, Eve, Eden, the Serpent's seduction,


s: All kinds of bloodthirstiness, murder, and sin,


s: And all kinds of goodly doctrine and law;


s: With tales of worldly virtue and crime.--


s: He dragg'd all fools, the lean and stout,


s: The great and little, the empty and full,


s: As though his wrath would ne'er grow less.


s: Within thee, in bright flames shall rise;


s: Like some fair blossom bathed in dew."--


s: And, with them, leaves and blossoms blended:


s: For whom was that sweet wreath intended?


s: And with the thoughts that o'er it flew,


s: That, dearest love, which fills thee now


s: IN spreading mantle to my chin conceald,


s: I trod the rocky path, so steep and grey,


s: But sudden was the newborn day reveal'd:


s: A maiden came, in heavenly bright array,


s: Like the fair creatures of the poet's lay


s: In realms of song. My yearning heart was heal'd.


s: Yet turn'd I thence, till she had onward pass'd,


s: While closer still the folds to draw I tried,


s: As though with heat self-kindled to grow warm;


s: But follow'd her. She stood. The die was cast!


s: I threw it off,--she lay within mine arm.


s: THUS to be chain'd for ever, can I bear?


s: A very torment that, in truth, would be.


s: This very day my new resolve shall see.--


s: I'll not go near the lately-worshipp'd Fair.


s: Yet what excuse, my heart, can I prepare


s: In such a case, for not consulting thee?


s: In tones where love, grief, gladness have a share.


s: But see! the minstrel's bidding to obey,


s: Its melody pours forth the sounding lyre,


s: Scarce wouldst thou think it--ready is the lay;


s: Well, but what then? Methought in the first fire


s: We to her presence flew, that lay to sing.


s: How grave thou loookest, loved one! wherefore so?


s: Like it, no sign of life thou giv'st to me;


s: Compared with thee, the stone appears to glow.


s: Behind his shield in ambush lurks the foe,


s: The friend's brow all-unruffled we should see.


s: I seek thee, but thou seek'st away to flee;


s: Fix'd as this sculptured figure, learn to grow!


s: Tell me, to which should I the preference pay?


s: Must I from both with coldness meet alone?


s: The one is lifeless, thou with life art blest.


s: In short, no longer to throw words away,


s: I'll fondy kiss and kiss and kiss this stone,


s: Till thou dost tear me hence with envious breast.


s: O'ER field and plain, in childhood's artless days,


s: Thou sprang'st with me, on many a spring-morn fair.


s: "For such a daughter, with what pleasing care,


s: Would I, as father, happy dwellings raise!"


s: And when thou on the world didst cast thy gaze,


s: Thy joy was then in household toils to share.


s: "Why did I trust her, why she trust me e'er?


s: For such a sister, how I Heaven should praise!"


s: Love's glowing flame within my breast is fann'd.


s: Shall I embrace her form, my grief to end?


s: So high above me placed thou seem'st to stand;


s: IF to her eyes' bright lustre I were blind,


s: No longer would they serve my life to gild.


s: This knowing, I withdrew with sadden'd mind.


s: The former longings of my heart were still'd;


s: I sought her looks alone, whereon to build


s: My joy in life,--all else was left behind.


s: Wine's genial glow, the festal banquet gay,


s: Ease, sleep, and friends, all wonted pleasures glad


s: I spurn'd, till little there remain'd to prove.


s: Now calmly through the world I wend my way:


s: That which I crave may everywhere be had,


s: With me I bring the one thing needful--love.


s: WITH many a thousand kiss not yet content,


s: At length with One kiss I was forced to go;


s: After that bitter parting's depth of woe,


s: I deem'd the shore from which my steps I bent,


s: Its hills, streams, dwellings, mountains, as I went,


s: A pledge of joy, till daylight ceased to glow;


s: Then on my sight did blissful visions grow


s: And when at length the sea confined my gaze,


s: My ardent longing fill'd my heart once more;


s: Then Heaven appear'd to shed its kindly rays:


s: Methought that all I had possess'd of yore


s: Remain'd still mine--that I was reft of nought.


s: THE look that thy sweet eyes on mine impress


s: The pledge thy lips to mine convey,--the kiss,--


s: He who, like me, hath knowledge sure of this,


s: Removed from thee, friend-sever'd, in distress,


s: These thoughts I vainly struggle to dismiss:


s: They still return to that one hour of bliss,


s: The only one; then tears my grief confess.


s: But unawares the tear makes haste to dry:


s: He loves, methinks, e'en to these glades so still,--


s: And shalt not thou to distant lands extend?


s: Thy kindly will tow'rd me; a token send!


s: Ask not too closely, dearest one, I pray


s: For, to speak truth, I've nothing now to say;


s: Yet to thy hands at length 'twill come, dear friend.


s: Since I can come not with it, what I send


s: With all its joys, hopes, pleasures, pains, to-day:


s: All this hath no beginning, hath no end.


s: Henceforward I may ne'er to thee confide


s: How, far as thought, wish, fancy, will, can reach,


s: My faithful heart with thine is surely blended.


s: Thus stood I once enraptured by thy side,


s: Gazed on thee, and said nought. What need of speech?


s: WHEN unto thee I sent the page all white,


s: Instead of first thereon inscribing aught,


s: The space thou doubtless filledst up in sport.


s: And sent it me, to make my joy grow bright.


s: As well becomes a woman, quick as thought


s: And read the well-known words of pure delight:


s: How kindly thou my yearning then didst still


s: With gentle words, enthralling me to thee.


s: In truth methought I read thy whispers mild


s: Wherewith thou lovingly my soul didst fill,


s: WHEN through the nations stalks contagion wild,


s: We from them cautiously should steal away.


s: E'en I have oft with ling'ring and delay


s: Shunn'd many an influence, not to be defil'd.


s: And e'en though Amor oft my hours beguil'd,


s: At length with him preferr'd I not to play,


s: And so, too, with the wretched sons of clay,


s: When four and three-lined verses they compil'd.


s: But punishment pursues the scoffer straight,


s: From bill to vale, from land to sea to fly.


s: Yet do I find all power of thinking fled


s: In sonnet-rage and love's fierce ecstasy.


s: THIS box, mine own sweet darling, thou wilt find


s: With many a varied sweetmeat's form supplied;


s: The fruits are they of holy Christmas tide,


s: But baked indeed, for children's use design'd.


s: I'd fain, in speeches sweet with skill combin'd,


s: Poetic sweetmeats for the feast provide;


s: Perish the thought, with flattery to blind!


s: One sweet thing there is still, that from within,


s: Within us speaks,--that may be felt afar;


s: As if with pleasure gleam'd each well-known star,


s: The smallest gift thou never wilt disown.


s: WHEN sounds the trumpet at the Judgment Day,


s: And when forever all things earthly die,


s: Of ev'ry useless word we dropp'd in play.


s: But what effect will all the words convey


s: That I might win thy favour, labour'd I,


s: Therefore, sweet love, thy conscience bear in mind,


s: Remember well how long thou hast delay'd,


s: So that the world such sufferings may not know.


s: For all things useless I to thee have said,


s: To a full year the Judgment Day will grow


s: ON Petrarch's heart, all other days before,


s: In flaming letters written, was impress d


s: GOOD FRIDAY. And on mine, be it confess'd,


s: Is this year's ADVENT, as it passeth o'er.


s: Her whom I early cherish'd in my breast;,


s: Then once again with prudence dispossess'd,


s: And to whose heart I'm driven back once more.


s: The love of Petrarch, that all-glorious love,


s: One long Good Friday 'twas, one heartache drear


s: With its palm-jubilee, so sweet and glad,


s: One endless Mayday, through the livelong year!


s: YE love, and sonnets write! Fate's strange behest!


s: The heart, its hidden meaning to declare,


s: Must seek for rhymes, uniting pair with pair:


s: Learn, children, that the will is weak, at best.


s: Scarcely with freedom the o'erflowing breast


s: As yet can speak, and well may it beware;


s: Tempestuous passions sweep each chord that's there,


s: Then once more sink to night and gentle rest.


s: Why vex yourselves and us, the heavy stone


s: Up the steep path but step by step to roll?


s: It falls again, and ye ne'er cease to strive.


s: The fire of love must aye be kept alive.


s: Two words there 'are, both short, of beauty rare,


s: Whose sounds our lips so often love to frame,


s: But which with clearness never can proclaim


s: The things whose own peculiar stamp they bear.


s: 'Tis well in days of age and youth so fair,


s: And if those words together link'd we name,


s: But now to give them pleasure do I seek,


s: Gently, as loved one's names, those words to speak


s: To see them both within one image shrin'd,


s: Both in one being to embrace with bliss.


s: A FELLOW says: "I own no school or college;


s: That from the dead I e'er learnt aught."


s: THOUGH tempers are bad and peevish folks swear,


s: Remember to ruffle thy brows, friend, ne'er;


s: And let not the fancies of women so fair


s: E'er serve thy pleasure in life to impair.


s: Ne'er let thy breast with hate be supplied,


s: IF wealth is gone--then something is gone!


s: 'Twere better that thou hadst never been born.


s: For time after time he knocks at the door,


s: But lifts the latch, and enters with speed.


s: IF men are never their thoughts to employ,


s: Take care to provide them a life full of joy;


s: But if to some profit and use thou wouldst bend them,


s: Take care to shear them, and then defend them.


s: Each thing its true position hath sought.


s: If some one stronger gives me hard blows,


s: When sinks her wheel, and tumbles me o'er,


s: In the sunshine of summer I ne'er lament,


s: And when the white snow-flakes fall around,


s: I don my skates, and am off with a bound.


s: They all must eat, drink, sleep, and wake.


s: To his surprise: "I entreat thee to pray


s: That grace to me and my friends may be given,


s: For great is our thirst for heav'nly bliss."


s: "Much danger is lurking in thy petition,


s: Thou dost not come with an angel's salute;


s: The wild man paused, and then answer'd he:


s: "What doth my goat's foot matter to thee?


s: Full many I've known into heaven to pass


s: Straight and with ease, with the head of an ass!"


s: He plucks the flowers that fairest seem;


s: His maiden then comes--oh, what ecstasy!


s: Thy flowers thou giv'st for one glance of her eye!


s: The gard'ner next door o'er the hedge sees the youth:


s: "I'm not such a fool as that, in good truth;


s: My pleasure is ever to cherish each flower,


s: And see that no birds my fruit e'er devour.


s: But when 'tis ripe, your money, good neighbour!


s: 'Twas not for nothing I took all this labour!"


s: And such, methinks, are the author-tribe.


s: The one his pleasures around him strews,


s: That his friends, the public, may reap, if they choose;


s: The other would fain make them all subscribe,


s: And for desert my best things swallow'd,


s: Soon as his meal was o'er, what follow'd?


s: Led by the Deuce, to a neighbour he went,


s: And talk'd of my food to his heart's content:


s: "The soup might surely have had more spice,


s: The meat was ill-brown'd, and the wine wasn't nice."


s: 'Tis a critic, I vow! Let the dog be struck dead!


s: Its food to take from his mouth he taught,


s: That his joy to others he needs must confide.


s: An aged fox near the place chanc'd to dwell,


s: Hearing with pleasure his wonders and lies.


s: He ran, and stretch'd 'mongst the bushes lay he


s: "Look, fox, at my pigeon, my pigeon so fair!


s: His equal I'm sure thou hast look'd upon ne'er!"


s: "Let's see!"--The boy gave it.--"'Tis really not bad;


s: And yet, it is far from complete, I must add.


s: The feathers, for, instance, how short! 'Tis absurd!"


s: So he set to work straightway to pluck the poor bird.


s: The boy screamed.--"Thou must now stronger pinions supply,


s: Or else 'twill be ugly, unable to fly."--


s: Soon 'twas stripp'd--oh, the villain!--and torn all to pieces.


s: The boy was heart-broken,--and so my tale ceases.


s: He who sees in the boy shadow'd forth his own case,


s: Should be on his guard 'gainst the fox's whole race.


s: Went into a shop full of steel wares bright,


s: He fancied they were all meant for himself;


s: And so, while the patient owner stood by,


s: The shining goods needs must handle and try,


s: And valued,--for how should a fool better know?--


s: The bad things high, and the good ones low,


s: And all with an easy self-satisfied face;


s: Then, having bought nothing, he left the place.


s: "Pray what's the matter?" the shopman spoke;


s: The other scream'd: "Faith, a very cool joke!"


s: Why should he dwell on high church-towers,


s: Each passer must worship before Nepomuck,


s: Who to die on a bridge chanced to have the ill luck,


s: And through the world spread far and wide.


s: "The ball would reach his brain at once!"


s: "Thank Heav'n that 'tis not we are dead!"


s: Our guileless child's-sport long was hush'd


s: At once the whole seems clear and bright,


s: God's children! thus your fortune prize,


s: The heads all drooping tow'rd the ground.


s: The heads soon raised themselves once more.


s: Come, lov'd one, come! appear once more!


s: WITH eagerness he drinks the treach'rous potion,


s: Nor stops to rest, by the first taste misled;


s: Sweet is the draught, but soon all power of motion


s: He finds has from his tender members fled;


s: No longer has he strength to plume his wing,


s: No longer strength to raise his head, poor thing!


s: E'en in enjoyment's hour his life he loses,


s: His little foot to bear his weight refuses;


s: So on he sips, and ere his draught is o'er,


s: Death veils his thousand eyes for evermore.


s: WHEN by the broad stream thou dost dwell,


s: Then, when thy fields thou tendest well,


s: Round reef and rock ice casts its chains,


s: And all seem'd loving, blithe, and glad;


s: "'Tis not the place that point to raise!


s: We now have danced three nights and days,


s: To the grave one day from a house they bore


s: To the window the citizens went to explore;


s: In splendour they lived, and with wealth as of yore


s: Then thought they: "The maid to the tomb is now borne;


s: We too from our dwellings ere long must be torn,


s: And he that is left our departure to mourn,


s: My mother's asthma ne'er will leave her,


s: His neighbour answered: "Friend, you're right!


s: Let's go a street or two, though, hence,


s: The man who gratis will his goods supply


s: The babe in his cradle and swaddling-clothes lies;


s: How blest to trust to God's protection!"


s: In fine, one seeks some twig that's green,


s: "Incense is hut a tribute for the gods,--


s: And found--sweet guerdon for his toil!--


s: Our barns by lightning have been fired,--


s: His left-hand neighbor's paunch he struck


s: WHAT time our Lord still walk'd the earth,


s: (He ne'er again like this stoop'd down).


s: And when at length they reach'd the town,


s: O'er plains and fields proceeding straight,


s: "Had'st thou but moved when thou wert bid,


s: The man who small things scorns, will next,


s: (This fine poem is given by Goethe amongst a small collection of


s: what he calls Loge (Lodge), meaning thereby Masonic pieces.)


s: THE mason's trade                Observe them well,


s: Resembles life,                  And watch them revealing


s: With all its strife,--           How solemn feeling


s: Is like the stir made            And wonderment swell


s: By man on earth's face.         The hearts of the brave.


s: Though weal and woe               The voice of the blest,


s: The future may hide,              And of spirits on high


s: Unterrified                       Seems loudly to cry:


s: We onward go                      "To do what is best,


s: In ne'er changing race.           Unceasing endeavour!


s: A veil of dread                   "In silence eterne


s: Hangs heavier still.              Here chaplets are twin'd,


s: Deep slumbers fill                That each noble mind


s: The stars over-head,              Its guerdon may earn.--


s: And the foot-trodden grave.       Then hope ye for ever!"


s: "to express his feelings and caprices" after his separation from


s: On the stone thou hast impress'd thy seal.


s: Should have shown to thousand grandsons!


s: Saving a crust of bread for thee to eat.


s: Thou formest each for life's enjoyments,


s: And, like a mother, all thy children dear,


s: Blessest with that sweet heritage,--a home


s: And thou dost patch, between antiquity's


s: * Compare with the beautiful description contained in the


s: subsequent lines, an account of a ruined temple of Ceres, given


s: by Chamberlayne in his Pharonnida (published in 1659)


s: Half sepulchred in dust, the bankrupt heir


s: Stretch'd out like a pall of greyish texture,


s: All things round, and all above it cover'd.


s: Saying "Friend, what meanest thou by gazing


s: Hast thou lost for evermore all pleasure


s: Both in painting cunningly, and forming?"


s: On the child I gazed, and thought in secret:


s: "Wouldst thou be for ever dull and idle,"


s: Said the boy, "no wisdom thou'lt attain to;


s: See, I'll straightway paint for thee a figure,--


s: How to paint a beauteous figure, show thee."


s: Tow'rd the broad and far outstretching carpet,


s: And began to draw there with his finger.


s: Which upon mine eyes with splendour glisten'd,


s: And he made the clouds with golden border,


s: Through the clouds he let the sunbeams enter;


s: Painted then the soft and feathery summits


s: Of the fresh and quicken'd trees, behind them


s: One by one with freedom drew the mountains;


s: That it seem'd to glitter in the sunbeams,


s: That it seem'd against its banks to murmur.


s: Ah, there blossom'd flowers beside the river,


s: And bright colours gleam'd upon the meadow,


s: Gold, and green, and purple, and enamell'd,


s: All like carbuncles and emeralds seeming!


s: Bright and clear he added then the heavens,


s: And the blue-tinged mountains far and farther,


s: So that I, as though newborn, enraptured


s: Gazed on, now the painter, now the picture.


s: Then spake he: "Although I have convinced thee


s: Yet the hardest still is left to show thee."


s: Thereupon he traced, with pointed finger,


s: At the utmost verge, where the strong sunbeams


s: From the shining ground appear'd reflected,


s: Fair in form, and clad in graceful fashion,


s: Fresh the cheeks beneath her brown locks' ambush,


s: And the cheeks possess'd the selfsame colour


s: As the finger that had served to paint them.


s: "Oh thou boy!" exclaim'd I then, "what master


s: In his school received thee as his pupil,


s: Whilst I still was speaking, lo, a zephyr


s: Softly rose, and set the tree-tops moving,


s: And the perfect maiden's veil, too, fill'd it,


s: And to make my wonderment still greater,


s: On she came, approaching tow'rd the station


s: Where still sat I with my arch instructor.


s: As now all, yes, all thus moved together,--


s: Flowers, river, trees, the veil,--all moving,--


s: And the gentle foot of that most fair one,


s: Can ye think that on my rock I linger'd,


s: Like a rock, as though fast-chain'd and silent?


s: HOW? when? and where?--No answer comes from high;


s: Thou wait'st for the Because, and yet thou ask'st not Why?


s: That whole in the smallest thing thou must see.


s: Though steel and stone in its breast it may bear;


s: At length they'll meet with fiery power,


s: And metal and stones on the earth will shower.


s: No longer is shapeless, or earthly bound.


s: And hastens on high to the place of its birth.


s: IN His blest name, who was His own creation,


s: Who from all time makes making his vocation;


s: The name of Him who makes our faith so bright,


s: In that One's name, who, named though oft He be,


s: As far as ear can reach, or eyesight dim,


s: Thou findest but the known resembling Him;


s: Its simile and type it straight discovers


s: Onward thou'rt drawn, with feelings light and gay,


s: Where'er thou goest, smiling is the way;


s: No more thou numbrest, reckonest no time,


s: Each step is infinite, each step sublime.


s: And on his finger whirl the mighty Whole?


s: He loves the inner world to move, to view


s: So that what in Him works, and is, and lives,


s: The measure of His strength, His spirit gives.


s: That ev'ry one the Best that meets his eyes


s: As God, yea e'en his God, doth recognise;


s: To Him both earth and heaven surrenders he,


s: Fears Him, and loves Him too, if that may be.


s: THOU art confused, my beloved, at, seeing the thousandfold union


s: Shown in this flowery troop, over the garden dispers'd;


s: any a name dost thou hear assign'd; one after another


s: Falls on thy list'ning ear, with a barbarian sound.


s: None resembleth another, yet all their forms have a likeness;


s: Therefore, a mystical law is by the chorus proclaim'd;


s: Yes, a sacred enigma! Oh, dearest friend, could I only


s: Happily teach thee the word, which may the mystery solve!


s: Closely observe how the plant, by little and little progressing,


s: Step by step guided on, changeth to blossom and fruit!


s: First from the seed it unravels itself, as soon as the silent


s: Fruit-bearing womb of the earth kindly allows Its escape,


s: And to the charms of the light, the holy, the ever-in-motion,


s: Trusteth the delicate leaves, feebly beginning to shoot.


s: Simply slumber'd the force in the seed; a germ of the future,


s: Peacefully lock'd in itself, 'neath the integument lay,


s: Leaf and root, and bud, still void of colour, and shapeless;


s: Thus doth the kernel, while dry, cover that motionless life.


s: Upward then strives it to swell, in gentle moisture confiding,


s: And 'tis a token like this, points out the child 'mid the plants.


s: Piling-up node upon node, ever the primitive form;


s: Yet not ever alike: for the following leaf, as thou seest,


s: Ever produceth itself, fashioned in manifold ways.


s: Longer, more indented, in points and in parts more divided,


s: Which. all-deform'd until now, slept in the organ below,


s: So at length it attaineth the noble and destined perfection,


s: Which, in full many a tribe, fills thee with wondering awe.


s: Many ribb'd and tooth'd, on a surface juicy and swelling,


s: Free and unending the shoot seemeth in fullness to be;


s: Yet here Nature restraineth, with powerful hands, the formation,


s: And to a perfecter end, guideth with softness its growth,


s: Less abundantly yielding the sap, contracting the vessels,


s: So that the figure ere long gentler effects doth disclose.


s: And the rib of the stalk fuller becometh in form.


s: Leafless, however, and quick the tenderer stem then up-springeth,


s: And a miraculous sight doth the observer enchant.


s: Gather the smaller-sized leaves, close by the side of their like.


s: And, as the perfectest type, brilliant-hued coronals forms.


s: Thus doth Nature bloom, in glory still nobler and fuller,


s: Showing, in order arranged, member on member uprear'd.


s: Over the scaffolding frail of the alternating leaves.


s: But this glory is only the new creation's foreteller,


s: Yes, the leaf with its hues feeleth the hand all divine,


s: And on a sudden contracteth itself; the tenderest figures


s: Twofold as yet, hasten on, destined to blend into one.


s: Lovingly now the beauteous pairs are standing together,


s: Gather'd in countless array, there where the altar is raised.


s: Hymen hovereth o'er them, and scents delicious and mighty


s: Sweetly conceald in the womb, where is made perfect the fruit.


s: Here doth Nature close the ring of her forces eternal;


s: Yet doth a new one, at once, cling to the one gone before,


s: So that the chain be prolonged for ever through all generations,


s: And that the whole may have life, e'en as enjoy'd by each part.


s: Now, my beloved one, turn thy gaze on the many-hued thousands


s: Which, confusing no more, gladden the mind as they wave.


s: Every plant unto thee proclaimeth the laws everlasting,


s: Every flowered speaks louder and louder to thee;


s: But if thou here canst decipher the mystic words of the goddess,


s: Plastic and forming, may man change e'en the figure decreed!


s: Kindly intercourse sprang, slowly unfolding its leaves;


s: Soon how friendship with might unveil'd itself in our bosoms,


s: And how Amor, at length, brought forth blossom and fruit


s: Silently giving them birth, either the first or the last!


s: Yes, and rejoice in the present day! For love that is holy


s: Lovingly blend into one,--find the more excellent world.


s: Yet was waken'd by one, as soon as twas light.


s: WHAT harm has thy poor mirror done, alas?


s: Look not so ugly, prythee, in the glass!


s: THE Epigrams bearing the title of XENIA were written by Goethe


s: and Schiller together, having been first occasioned by some


s: violent attacks made on them by some insignificant writers. They


s: are extremely numerous, but scarcely any of them could be


s: translated into English. Those here given are merely presented as


s: WHAT shall I teach thee, the very first thing?--


s: Fain would I learn o'er my shadow to spring!


s: representation, was written when Goethe was only sixteen years


s: old. It derives additional interest from the fact of its being


s: the very earliest piece of his that is preserved. The few other


s: pieces included by Goethe under the title of Religion and Church


s: are polemical, and devoid of interest to the English reader.]


s: Remote from earth, where star ne'er glows,


s: Hark! now the curse is straight fulfill'd.


s: The Lord's fierce wrath restrains her foot


s: "Oh, burning flames! quick, swallow me!"


s: Here lies the countless throng combined,


s: She sees the rocks all quake with wonder,


s: To bind thee: Death! where is thy sting?


s: Know'st thou not now the Highest's might?


s: Thou dwell'st in dark and endless night.


s: As though by lightning struck thou liest,


s: A trembling fills each dark vault there,


s: She snarls with rage, but needs must cower


s: Now speaks He, and His voice is thunder,


s: He speaks, the rocks are rent in sunder,


s: 'They all shall die the death,' ye thought;


s: Lie, then, and writhe in brimstone fire!


s: THOU wert forcibly seized by the hoary lord of the river,--


s: Holding thee, ever he shares with thee his streaming domain,


s: Calmly sleepest thou near his urn as it silently trickles,


s: Till thou to action art roused, waked by the swift-rolling flood.


s: Perfecting that as a god, which thou didst fail in, as man.


s: SMOOTHLY and lightly the golden seed by the furrow is cover'd;


s: Yet will a deeper one, friend, cover thy bones at the last.


s: Joyously plough'd and sow'd! Here food all living is budding,


s: E'en from the side of the tomb Hope will not vanish away.


s: Where the turtle-dove calls, where the blithe cricket is heard,


s: Say, whose grave can this be, with life by all the Immortals


s: Beauteously planted and deck'd?--Here doth Anacreon sleep


s: Spring and summer and autumn rejoiced the thrice-happy minstrel,


s: And from the winter this mound kindly hath screen'd him at last.


s: Were by Prometheus implored, comfort to give to his race;


s: What, oh thou frivolous god! twofold thy measure of time?


s: "Slowly run from the one, the hours of lovers when parted;


s: While through the other they rush swiftly, as soon as they meet."


s: WAKEN not Amor from sleep! The beauteous urchin still slumbers;


s: Go, and complete thou the task, that to the day is assign'd!


s: Thus doth the prudent mother with care turn time to her profit,


s: While her babe is asleep, for 'twill awake but too soon.


s: Grant unto each whatsoe'er he may in silence desire!


s: And let the lover rejoice, finding the bliss that he craves.


s: For from the gods ye received what they ever denied unto mortals,


s: Power to comfort and aid all who in you may confide.


s: HERE in silence the lover fondly mused on his loved one;


s: Gladly he spake to me thus: "Be thou my witness, thou stone!


s: Yet thou must not be vainglorious, thou hast many companions;


s: Unto each rock on the plain, where I, the happy one, dwell,


s: Unto each tree of the wood that I cling to, as onward I ramble,


s: 'Be thou a sign of my bliss!' shout I, and then 'tis ordain'd.


s: Yet to thee only I lend a voice, as a Muse from the people


s: Chooseth one for herself, kissing his lips as a friend."


s: Mingle the Graces, down from Olympus in secret descending,


s: Here doth he watch their silent dances' mysterious measure.


s: Ever hath brought into life, the dreamer awake sees before him;


s: All he repeats to the Muses, and lest the gods should be anger'd,


s: How to tell of secrets discreetly, the Muses instruct him.


s: WHEN Diogenes quietly sunn'd himself in his barrel,


s: When Calanus with joy leapt in the flame-breathing grave,


s: Oh, what noble lessons were those for the rash son of Philip,


s: Were not the lord of the world e'en for instruction too great!


s: EVEN this heavenly pair were unequally match'd when united:


s: Psyche grew older and wise, Amor remain'd still a child,


s: THOU dost complain of woman for changing from one to another?


s: Censure her not: for she seeks one who will constant remain.


s: Wouldst thou what charms and delights, wouldst thou what


s: Would thou include both Heaven and earth in one designation,


s: All that is needed is done, when I Sakontala name.


s: EARLY one day, the Muse, when eagerly bent on adornment,


s: Ever her moving form; the goddess departed in anger.


s: Yet the stream call'd mockingly after her, saying: "What, truly!


s: In her figure rejoicing, and duly arranging her garland.


s: DELOS' stately ruler, and Maia's son, the adroit one,


s: Warmly were striving, for both sought the great prize to obtain.


s: Hermes the lyre demanded, the lyre was claim'd by Apollo,


s: Yet were the hearts of the foes fruitlessly nourish'd by hope.


s: For on a sudden Ares burst in, with fury decisive,


s: Dashing in twain the gold toy, brandishing wildly his sword.


s: Seized upon Phoebus's heart, seized on the heart of each Muse.


s: AMOR, not the child, the youthful lover of Psyche,


s: Look'd round Olympus one day, boldly, to triumph inured;


s: There  he espied a goddess, the fairest amongst the immortals,--


s: Venus Urania she,--straight was his passion inflamed.


s: Even the holy one powerless proved, alas! 'gainst his wooing,--


s: Tightly embraced in his arm, held her the daring one fast.


s: Then from their union arose a new, a more beauteous Amor,


s: Who from his father his wit, grace from his mother derives.


s: Ever thou'lt find him join'd in the kindly Muses' communion,


s: And his charm-laden bolt foundeth the love of the arts.


s: KLOPSTOCK would lead us away from Pindus; no longer for laurel


s: May we be eager--the homely acorn alone must content us;


s: Yet he himself his more-than-epic crusade is conducting


s: High on Golgotha's summit, that foreign gods he may honour!


s: Yet, on what hill he prefers, let him gather the angels together,


s: There will joyously kneel in devotion ecstatic, revering


s: Thorn and laurel garland, and all its charms and its tortures.


s: YESTERDAY brown was still thy head, as the locks of my loved one,


s: Whose sweet image so dear silently beckons afar.


s: Silver-grey is the early snow to-day on thy summit,


s: Through the tempestuous night streaming fast over thy brow.


s: Youth, alas, throughout life as closely to age is united


s: As, in some changeable dream, yesterday blends with to-day.


s: While he the shepherdess charms, Python he lays in the dust.


s: WHAT is merciful censure? To make thy faults appear smaller?


s: May be to veil them? No, no! O'er them to raise thee on high!


s: DEMOCRATIC food soon cloys on the multitude's stomach;


s: But I'll wager, ere long, other thou'lt give them instead.


s: WHAT in France has pass'd by, the Germans continue to practise,


s: For the proudest of men flatters the people and fawns.


s: WHO is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others,


s: And in their pleasure takes joy, even as though 'twere his own.


s: NOT in the morning alone, not only at mid-day he charmeth;


s: Even at setting, the sun is still the same glorious planet.


s: URN and sarcophagus erst were with life adorn'd by the heathen


s: Fauns are dancing around, while with the Bacchanal troop


s: Wildly produceth hoarse tones out of the clamorous horn.


s: Cymbals and drums resound; we see and we hear, too, the marble.


s: Fluttering bird! oh how sweet tastes the ripe fruit to thy bill!


s: Who, in the midst of the throng, learns to delight in his torch.


s: Thus doth fullness overcome death; and the ashes there cover'd


s: Seem, in that silent domain, still to be gladdend with life.


s: Thus may the minstrel's sarcophagus be hereafter surrounded


s: With such a scroll, which himself richly with life has adorn'd.


s: CLASP'D in my arms for ever eagerly hold I my mistress,


s: Ever my panting heart throbs wildly against her dear breast,


s: And on her knees forever is leaning my head, while I'm gazing


s: Ah, they in sorrow are spent. List while I tell thee my tale:


s: Yes! I have left my only joy in life far behind me,


s: Twenty long days hath my car borne me away from her sight.


s: Vettrini defy me, while crafty chamberlains flatter,


s: And the sly Valet de place thinks but of lies and deceit.


s: If I attempt to escape, the Postmaster fastens upon me,


s: Postboys the upper hand get, custom-house duties enrage.


s: Wrapp'd in a blissful repose, glad as Rinaldo of yore:


s: Ah, I  myself understand full well; 'tis my body that travels,


s: And 'tis my spirit that rests still in my mistress's arms.


s: I WOULD liken this gondola unto the soft-rocking cradle,


s: And the chest on its deck seems a vast coffin to be.


s: Yes! 'tween the cradle and coffin, we totter and waver for ever


s: On the mighty canal, careless our lifetime is spent.


s: WHY are the people thus busily moving? For food they are seeking,


s: Children they fain would beget, feeding them well as they can.


s: More can no mortal effect, work with what ardour he will.


s: I WOULD compare to the land this anvil, its lord to the hammer,


s: And to the people the plate, which in the middle is bent.


s: Ne'er will the kettle be made, while they uncertainly fall.


s: WHAT is the life of a man? Yet thousands are ever accustom'd


s: Freely to talk about man,--what he has done, too, and how.


s: Even less is a poem; yet thousands read and enjoy it,


s: Thousands abuse it.--My friend, live and continue to rhyme!


s: MERRY'S the trade of a poet; but somewhat a dear one, I fear me


s: For, as my book grows apace, all of my sequins I lose.


s: Is' thou'rt in earnest, no longer delay, but render me happy;


s: Art thou in jest? Ah, sweet love! time for all jesting is past.


s: Neither my sorrowful sigh, nor my soft eloquent look.


s: Only one goddess is able the seal of my lips to unloosen,--


s: When by Aurora I'm found, slumbering calm on thy breast.


s: As the Memnonian form breath'd forth sweet secrets in song.


s: IN the twilight of morning to climb to the top of the mountain,--


s: Thee to salute, kindly star, earliest herald of day,--


s: And to await, with impatience, the gaze of the ruler of heaven,--


s: Youthful delight, oh oft lur'st thou me out in the night!


s: Oh ye heralds of day, ye heavenly eyes of my mistress,


s: Now ye appear, and the sun evermore riseth too soon.


s: Me it astonisheth not,--of the ocean was born Aphrodite,--


s: Did not a flame, too, proceed from her for us, in her son?


s: GLEAMING the ocean appear'd, the beauteous billows were smiling,


s: While a fresh, favouring wind, filling the sails, drove us on.


s: Free was my bosom from yearning; yet soon my languishing glances


s: Draws me resistlessly back, like the strong magnet in force.


s: That I a garden possess, small though it be, yet mine own.


s: One which enticeth me homewards; why should a gardener wander?


s: Honour and pleasure he finds, when to his garden he looks.


s: AH, my maiden is going! she mounts the vessel! My monarch,


s: AEolus! potentate dread! keep ev'ry storm far away!


s: SPEAK, ye stones, I entreat! Oh speak, ye palaces lofty!


s: Utter a word, oh ye streets! Wilt thou not, Genius, awake?


s: All that thy sacred walls, eternal Rome, hold within them


s: Teemeth with life; but to me, all is still silent and dead.


s: Oh, who will whisper unto me,--when shall I see at the casement


s: That one beauteous form, which, while it scorcheth, revives?


s: Can I as yet not discern the road, on which I for ever


s: To her and from her shall go, heeding not time as it flies?


s: Still do I mark the churches, palaces, ruins, and columns,


s: As a wise traveller should, would he his journey improve.


s: Amor's temple alone, where the Initiate may go.


s: Thou art indeed a world, oh Rome; and yet, were Love absent,


s: Do not repent, mine own love, that thou so soon didst surrender


s: Trust me, I deem thee not bold! reverence only I feel.


s: Manifold workings the darts of Amor possess; some but scratching,


s: Yet with insidious effect, poison the bosom for years.


s: Others mightily feather'd, with fresh and newly-born sharpness


s: Pierce to the innermost bone, kindle the blood into flame.


s: In the heroical times, when loved each god and each goddess,


s: Longing attended on sight; then with fruition was bless'd.


s: When she, in Ida's retreats, own'd to Anchises her flame?


s: Had but Luna delayd to kiss the beautiful sleeper,


s: Oh, by Aurora, ere long, he had in envy been rous'd!


s: Hero Leander espied at the noisy feast, and the lover


s: Hotly and nimbly, ere long, plunged in the night-cover'd flood.


s: Rhea Silvia, virgin princess, roam'd near the Tiber,


s: Seeking there water to draw, when by the god she was seiz'd.


s: Thus were the sons of Mars begotten! The twins did a she-wolf


s: Suckle and nurture,--and Rome call'd herself queen of the world,


s: ALEXANDER, and Caesar, and Henry, and Fred'rick, the mighty,


s: On me would gladly bestow half of the glory they earn'd,


s: But they, by Orcus's night, sternly, alas! are held down.


s: Ere the dark Lethe's sad wave wetteth thy fugitive foot.


s: THESE few leaves, oh ye Graces, a bard presents, in your honour,


s: On your altar so pure, adding sweet rosebuds as well,


s: And he does it with hope. The artist is glad in his workshop,


s: When a Pantheon it seems round him for ever to bring.


s: Jupiter knits his godlike brow,--her's, Juno up-lifteth;


s: Phoebus strides on before, shaking his curly-lock'd head


s: Calmly and drily Minerva looks down, and Hermes the light one,


s: Turneth his glances aside, roguish and tender at once.


s: But tow'rds Bacchus, the yielding, the dreaming, raiseth Cythere


s: Looks both longing and sweet, e'en in the marble yet moist.


s: Of his embraces she thinks with delight, and seems to be asking


s: "Should not our glorious son take up his place by our side?"


s: AMOR is ever a rogue, and all who believe him are cheated!


s: To me the hypocrite came: "Trust me, I pray thee, this once.


s: Honest is now my intent,--with grateful thanks I acknowledge


s: That thou thy life and thy works hast to my worship ordain'd.


s: Hoping to give thee mine aid, e'en in the foreigner's land.


s: Happily lodged, though, is he, who is by Amor receiv'd.


s: Thou dost observe the ruins of ancient buildings with wonder,


s: Thoughtfully wandering on, over each time-hallow'd spot.


s: Thou dost honour still more the worthy relics created


s: By the few artists--whom I loved in their studios to seek.


s: Presently thou shalt confess, that what I tell thee is true.


s: Love not the subtle and old; Mother, observe what I say!


s: Still was new the Antique, when yonder blest ones were living;


s: Happily live,--and, in thee, ages long vanish'd will live!


s: Food for song, where hop'st thou to find it? I only can give it,


s: And a more excellent style, love, and love only can teach."


s: And when a master commands, I have been train'd to obey.


s: Now he deceitfully keeps his word, gives food for my numbers,


s: But, while he does so, alas! robs me of time, strength, and mind.


s: Syllables teeming with thought, by a fond pair are exchang'd.


s: Free from all prosody's rules, dies such a hymn on the ear.


s: Thee, Aurora, I used to own as the friend of the Muses;


s: Hath, then, Amor the rogue cheated, Aurora, e'en thee?


s: Thou dost appear to me now as his friend, and again dost awake me


s: Unto a day of delight, while at his altar I kneel.


s: All her locks I find on my bosom, her head is reposing,


s: Pressing with softness the arm, which round her neck is entwin'd;


s: Monument sweet of the bliss which had first rock'd us to sleep


s: In her slumber she moves, and sinks, while her face is averted,


s: Far on the breadth of the couch, leaving her hand still in mine


s: Heartfelt love unites us for ever, and yearnings unsullied,


s: And our cravings alone claim for themselves the exchange.


s: One faint touch of the hand, and her eyes so heavenly see I


s: Once more open. Ah, no! let me still look on that form!


s: Closed still remain! Ye make me confused and drunken, ye rob me


s: Far too soon of the bliss pure contemplation affords.


s: Theseus, could'st thou e'er fly, whilst Ariadne thus slept?


s: Only one single kiss on these lips! Oh, Theseus, now leave us!


s: Gaze on her eyes! she awakes--Firmly she holds thee embrac'd


s: FARTHER and farther away, alas! at each moment the vessel


s: Hastens, as onward it glides, cleaving the foam-cover'd flood!


s: Following fast in its rear, while it seems flying pursuit.


s: All forebodes a prosperous voyage; the sailor with calmness


s: Leans 'gainst the sail, which alone all that is needed performs.


s: Backward one only is seen, mournfully fix'd near the mast,


s: And as they sink in the sea, joy from his bosom departs.


s: Of thine Alexis, thy friend,--ah, thy betrothed as well!


s: Though, for each other, yet ah! 'gainst one another no more.


s: Oh, thou single moment, wherein I found life! thou outweighest


s: Every day which had else coldly from memory fled.


s: 'Twas in that moment alone, the last, that upon me descended


s: Life, such as deities grant, though thou perceived'st it not.


s: Thine all-brightening day hateful alone is to me.


s: Into myself I retreat for shelter, and there, in the silence,


s: Strive to recover the time when she appear'd with each day.


s: Was it possible beauty like this to see, and not feel it?


s: Work'd not those heavenly charms e'en on a mind dull as thine?


s: Blame not thyself, unhappy one! Oft doth the bard an enigma


s: Thus propose to the throng, skillfully hidden in words.


s: Each one enjoys the strange commingling of images graceful,


s: Yet still is wanting the word which will discover the sense.


s: And in the poem he sees meaning of twofold delight.


s: Wherefore so late didst thou remove the bandage, oh Amor,


s: 'Till in kindness the wind blew from the land o'er the sea.


s: Vacant times of youth! and vacant dreams of the future!


s: Ye all vanish, and nought, saving the moment, remains.


s: Yes! it remains,--my joy still remains! I hold thee; my Dora,


s: And thine image alone, Dora, by hope is disclos'd.


s: Oft have I seen thee go, with modesty clad, to the temple,


s: While thy mother so dear solemnly went by thy side.


s: Eager  and nimble thou wert, in bearing thy fruit to the market,


s: Boldly the pail from the well didst thou sustain on thy head.


s: Then was reveal'd thy neck, then seen thy shoulders so beauteous,


s: Then, before all things, the grace filling thy motions was seen.


s: Yet it ever remain'd firm on the circular cloth.


s: Thus, fair neighbour, yes, thus I oft was wont to observe thee,


s: As on the stars I might gaze, as I might gaze on the moon,


s: Glad indeed at the sight, yet feeling within my calm bosom


s: Not the remotest desire ever to call them mine own.


s: Years thus fleeted away! Although our houses were only


s: Twenty paces apart, yet I thy threshold ne'er cross'd.


s: Now by the fearful flood are we parted! Thou liest to Heaven,


s: Billow! thy beautiful blue seems to me dark as the night.


s: All were now in movement; a boy to the house of my father


s: Ran at full speed and exclaim'd: "Hasten thee quick to the strand


s: While the anchor they weigh, heaving it up from the sand;


s: Come, Alexis, oh come!"--My worthy stout-hearted father


s: Press'd, with a blessing, his hand down on my curly-lock'd head,


s: While my mother carefully reach'd me a newly-made bundle,


s: "Happy mayst thou return!" cried they--" both happy and rich!"


s: Then I sprang away, and under my arm held the bundle,


s: Running along by the wall. Standing I found thee hard by,


s: At the door of thy garden. Thou smilingly saidst then "Alexis!


s: Say, are yon boisterous crew going thy comrades to be?


s: Ornaments meet for the rich matrons who dwell in the town.


s: Bring me, also, I praythee, a light chain; gladly I'll pay thee,


s: Oft have I wish'd to possess some stich a trinket as that."


s: After the form and the weight which thy commission should have.


s: On thy neck which deserv'd ornaments worn but by queens.


s: Loudly now rose the cry from the ship; then kindly thou spakest


s: "Take, I entreat thee, some fruit out of the garden, my friend


s: Take the ripest oranges, figs of the whitest; the ocean


s: Beareth no fruit, and, in truth, 'tis not produced by each land."


s: And the burden of gold was in thine apron upheld.


s: Oft did I cry, Enough! But fairer fruits were still falling


s: Into the hand as I spake, ever obeying thy touch.


s: First the orange, which lay heavy as though 'twere of gold,


s: Then the yielding fig, by the slightest pressure disfigur'd,


s: And with myrtle the gift soon was both cover'd and grac'd.


s: But I raised it not up. I stood. Our eyes met together,


s: And my eyesight grew dim, seeming obscured by a film,


s: Soon I felt thy bosom on mine! Mine arm was soon twining


s: Round thy beautiful form; thousand times kiss'd I thy neck.


s: On my shoulder sank thy head; thy fair arms, encircling,


s: Soon rendered perfect the ring knitting the rapturous pair.


s: Amor's hands I felt: he press'd us together with ardour,


s: And, from the firmament clear, thrice did it thunder; then tears


s: And, 'mid our sorrow and bliss, even the world seem'd to die.


s: Bear my weight, and I cried:--"Dora! and art thou not mine?"


s: Seem'd to be wiped from our eyes, as by the breath of a god.


s: Nearer was heard the cry "Alexis!" The stripling who sought me


s: Suddenly peep'd through the door. How he the basket snatch'd up!


s: How he urged me away! how press'd I thy hand! Wouldst thou ask me


s: How the vessel I reach'd? Drunken I seem'd, well I know.


s: Drunken my shipmates believed me, and so had pity upon me;


s: And as the breeze drove us on, distance the town soon obscur'd.


s: "Thine for ever!" thou, Dora, didst murmur; it fell on my senses


s: With the thunder of Zeus! while by the thunderer's throne


s: Stood his daughter, the Goddess of Love; the Graces were standing


s: Close by her side! so the bond beareth an impress divine!


s: Oh then hasten, thou ship, with every favouring zephyr!


s: Onward, thou powerful keel, cleaving the waves as they foam!


s: Bring me unto the foreign harbour, so that the goldsmith


s: May in his workshop prepare straightway the heavenly pledge!


s: Ay, of a truth, the chain shall indeed be a chain, oh my Dora!


s: Nine times encircling thy neck, loosely around it entwin'd


s: Richly and skillfully wrought, also shall grace thy fair hand.


s: There shall the ruby and emerald vie, the sapphire so lovely


s: Be to the jacinth oppos'd, seeming its foil; while the gold


s: Oh, how the bridegroom exults, when he adorns his betroth'd!


s: Brings to my mind thy fair hand's graceful and tapering form.


s: I will barter and buy; the fairest of all shalt thou choose thee,


s: Joyously would I devote all of the cargo to thee.


s: With them he brings thee whate'er gives to a housewife delight.


s: Fine and woollen coverlets, wrought with an edging of purple,


s: Fit for a couch where we both, lovingly, gently may rest;


s: Costly pieces of linen. Thou sittest and sewest, and clothest


s: Me, and thyself, and, perchance, even a third with it too.


s: Visions of hope, deceive ye my heart! Ye kindly Immortals,


s: Soften this fierce-raging flame, wildly pervading my breast!


s: Yet how I long to feel them again, those rapturous torments.


s: When, in their stead, care draws nigh, coldly and fearfully calm.


s: Awe the delinquent so much, down in the plains of despair,


s: As by the motionless spectre I'm awed, that shows me the fair one


s: Far away: of a truth, open the garden-door stands!


s: And another one cometh! For him the fruit, too, is falling,


s: And for him, also, the fig strengthening honey doth yield!


s: Blind, ye Immortals! efface visions like this from my mind!


s: Yes, she is but a maiden! And she who to one doth so quickly


s: Yield, to another ere long, doubtless, Will turn herself round.


s: Smile not, Zeus, for this once, at an oath so cruelly broken!


s: Strike with thy lightning this mast, make it a pitiful wreck!


s: Scatter the planks all around, and give to the boisterous billows


s: All these wares, and let me be to the dolphins a prey


s: Now, ye Muses, enough! In vain would ye strive to depicture


s: How, in a love-laden breast, anguish alternates with bliss.


s: Ye cannot heal the wounds, it is true, that love hath inflicted;


s: Yet from you only proceeds, kindly ones, comfort and balm.


s: "NE'ER have I seen the market and streets so thoroughly empty!


s: Still as the grave is the town, clear'd out! I verily fancy


s: Fifty at most of all our inhabitants still may be found there.


s: People are so inquisitive! All are running and racing


s: Merely to see the sad train of poor fellows driven to exile.


s: Nooks of this fruitful vale, with all its twistings and windings.


s: Taking with him old linen, and something to eat and to drink too,


s: How he is driving along! How well he holds in the horses!


s: Then the new little carriage looks very handsome; inside it


s: Four can easily sit, besides the one on the coachbox.


s: This time he is alone; how easily-turns it the corner!"


s: Thus to his wife the host of the Golden Lion discoursed,


s: Sitting at ease in the porch of his house adjoining the market.


s: Then replied as follows the shrewd and sensible hostess


s: "Father, I don't like giving old linen away, for I find it


s: Useful in so many ways, 'tis not to he purchased for money


s: Just when it's wanted. And yet to-day I gladly have given


s: Many excellent articles, shirts and covers and suchlike;


s: For I have heard of old people and children walking half-naked.


s: Will you forgive me, too, for having ransacked your presses?


s: That grand dressing-gown, cover'd with Indian flowers all over,


s: Made of the finest calico, lined with excellent flannel,


s: But the worthy landlord only smiled, and then answer'd


s: I shall dreadfully miss that ancient calico garment,


s: Genuine Indian stuff! They're not to be had any longer.


s: Well! I shall wear it no more. And your poor husband henceforward


s: Always must put on his boots; good bye to cap and to slippers!"


s: "See," continued his wife, "a few are already returning


s: Who have seen the procession, which long ago must have pass'd by.


s: Merely to see such a sight! I'm certain to hear all about it."


s: And the worthy father, speaking with emphasis, added


s: "Such fine weather seldom lasts through the whole of the harvest


s: And the whole day long delicious breezes are blowing.


s: Splendid weather I call it! The corn already too ripe is,


s: And to-morrow begin we to gather the plentiful harvest."


s: Whilst he was thus discoursing, the number of men and of women


s: Crossing the market and going towards home kept ever increasing;


s: Going full speed to his newbuilt house, the principal merchant,


s: Riding inside an open carriage (in Landau constructed).


s: Long sat the excellent couple under the doorway, exchanging


s: Many a passing remark on the people who happen'd to pass them.


s: Presently thus to her husband exclaim'd the good-natured hostess


s: "See! Yon comes the minister; with him is walking the druggist:


s: They'll be able to give an account of all that has happen'd,


s: What they witness'd, and many a sight I fear which was painful."


s: Both of them came in a friendly manner, and greeted the couple,


s: Taking their seats on the wooden benches under the doorway,


s: Open'd his mouth, and almost peevishly vented his feelings


s: "What strange creatures men are! They all resemble each other,


s: Or a poor criminal led in terror and shame to the scaffold.


s: All the town has been out to gaze at the sorrowing exiles,


s: None of them bearing in mind that a like misfortune hereafter,


s: Possibly almost directly, may happen to be their own portion.


s: I can't pardon such levity; yet 'tis the nature of all men."


s: Thereupon rejoin'd the noble and excellent pastor,


s: He, the charm of the town, in age scarce more than a stripling:--


s: He was also well read in the best of secular writings.)


s: "I don't like to find fault with any innocent impulse


s: Which in the mind of man Dame Nature has ever implanted;


s: For what reason and intellect ne'er could accomplish, is often


s: Done by some fortunate, quite irresistible instinct within him.


s: If mankind were never by curiosity driven,


s: "Tell us what have you seen; I am eagerly longing to hear it."


s: Then with emphasis answer'd the druggist:--" The terrible stories


s: Words would fail to describe the manifold pictures of mis'ry.


s: Far in the distance saw we the dust, before we descended


s: Down to the meadows; the rising hillocks hid the procession


s: Long from our eyes, and little could we distinguish about it.


s: When, however, we reach'd the road that winds thro' the valley,


s: Sad was the sight of the manifold goods and chattels pertaining


s: Unto a well-managed house, which the careful owner's accustom'd


s: Each in its proper position to place, and in regular order,


s: Always ready for use, for all are wanted and useful.--


s: Sad was the sight of them now, on many a waggon and barrow


s: Heap'd in thorough confusion, and hurriedly huddled together.


s: Over a cupboard was placed a sieve and a coverlet woollen;


s: Beds in the kneeding troughs lay, and linen over the glasses.


s: Ah! and the danger appear'd to rob the men of their senses,


s: Just as in our great fire of twenty years ago happen'd,


s: Many valueless chattels, o'erlading the cattle and horses,--


s: Common old boards and barrels, a birdcage next to a goosepen.


s: (Man is always unwilling the least of his goods to abandon.)


s: Thus on its dusty way advanced the crowded procession,


s: All in hopeless confusion. First one, whose cattle were weaker,


s: Fain would slowly advance, while others would eagerly hasten.


s: Then there arose a scream of half-crush'd women and children,


s: And a lowing of cattle, with yelping of dogs intermingled,


s: And a wailing of aged and sick, all sitting and shaking,


s: Ranged in their beds on the top of the waggon too-heavily laden.


s: Those who saw them failing full surely expected to see them


s: Thinking only of self, and carried away by the current.


s: So we sped to the spot, and found the sick and the aged


s: Then replied in tones of compassion the sensitive landlord


s: Hastily sent we a trifle from out of our superabundance,


s: Just to comfort a few, and then our minds were more easy.


s: Now let us cease to discourse on such a sorrowful subject,


s: For men's hearts are easily overshadow'd by terror,


s: And by care, more odious far to me than misfortune.


s: Now let us go to a cooler place, the little back-parlour;


s: Then in a well-cut flask the mother carefully brought them


s: Some of that clear good wine, upon a bright metal waiter


s: Circular large brown table-─on massive feet it was planted.


s: Merrily clink'd together the glasses of host and of pastor,


s: But the other one thoughtfully held his glass without moving,


s: And in friendly fashion the host thus ask'd him to join them:--


s: "Drink, good neighbour, I pray! A merciful God has protected


s: Us in the past from misfortune, and will protect us in future.


s: And watch'd over us constantly, just as man is accustom'd


s: His eye's precious apple to guard, that dearest of members.


s: Shall He not for the future preserve us, and be our Protector?


s: For 'tis in danger we learn to appreciate duly His Goodness.


s: This so flourishing town, which He built again from its ashes


s: Cheerfully answer'd the excellent pastor, in accents of mildness


s: Then continued the host, with thoughts full of manhood and wisdom


s: But I could never imagine that soon its beautiful margin


s: Into a wall would be turn'd, to keep the French from our country,


s: So by Nature we're guarded, we're guarded by valorous Germans,


s: And by the Lord we're guarded; who then would foolishly tremble?


s: Weary the combatants are, and all things indicate peace soon;


s: And when at length the long-expected festival's holden


s: Then on that selfsame day I fain would see, my good pastor,


s: Our dear Hermann kneel with his bride at the altar before you,


s: Little at any time cares he to mix with the rest of the people;


s: Yes, he even avoids young maidens' society ever,


s: And the frolicsome dance, that great delight of young people."


s: Which, with impetuous speed, now thunder'd under the gateway.


s: THEN when into the room the well-built son made his entry,


s: Straightway with piercing glances the minister eyed him intently,


s: Then he smiled, and with cordial words address'd him as follows


s: Then in calm accents replied the son, with gravity speaking


s: "Whether I've laudably acted, I know not; I follow'd the impulse


s: Of my own heart, as now I'll proceed to describe with exactness.


s: Mother, you rummaged so long, in looking over old pieces,


s: When I at length emerged at the gate, and came on the highway,


s: Streams of citizens met I returning, with women and children,


s: For the train of the exiles had long disappear'd in the distance.


s: Suddenly saw I a waggon, of excellent timber constructed,


s: Drawn by a couple of oxen, the best and the strongest of foreign.


s: And address'd me as follows:--'Our usual condition, believe me,


s: Who so often but gives, to rid himself of a beggar.


s: But I'm compell'd to speak by necessity. Here on the straw now


s: Lies the lately-confined poor wife of a wealthy landowner,


s: Whom with much trouble I managed to save with oxen and waggon.


s: We were late in arriving, and scarcely with life she escaped.


s: Now the newly-born child in her arms is lying, all naked,


s: And our friends will be able to give them but little assistance,


s: E'en if in the next village, to which to-night we are going,


s: These poor people will deem a most acceptable present.


s: "Thus she spake, and wearily raised herself the pale patient


s: Up from the straw and gazed upon me, while thus I made answer


s: 'Oft doth a heavenly spirit whisper to kind-hearted people,


s: Ready prepared for relieving the wants of those who were naked.'


s: How 'tis that miracles happen; we only discover in sorrow


s: God's protecting finger and hand, extended to beckon


s: Good men to good. May your kindness to us by Him be requited.'


s: And I saw the poor patient joyfully handling the linen,


s: Valuing most of all the soft flannel, the dressing-gown lining.


s: Drove the oxen, the waggon went on. I lingerd behind them,


s: Holding my horses rein'd back, divided between two opinions,


s: Whether to hasten ahead, reach the village, the viands distribute


s: Soon I made up my mind, and follow'd after her softly,


s: Overtook her without delay, and said to her quickly


s: 'Maiden, it was not linen alone that my mother provided


s: And in the carriage placed, as clothing to give to the naked,


s: But she added meat, and many an excellent drink too;


s: In your hands, and thus fulfil to the best my commission;


s: You will divide them with prudence, whilst I my fate am obeying.'


s: Gladly would I have given her more, but empty the boot was.


s: Then when Hermann had ended his story, the garrulous neighbour


s: Open'd his mouth and exclaim'd:--"I only deem the man happy


s: I feel happy at present; I hate the title of father;


s: Care of children and wife in these days would be a sad drawback.


s: Often have I bethought me of flight, and have gather'd together


s: Worn by my late dear mother, not one of which has been sold yet.


s: Much indeed is left out, that is not so easily carried.


s: Even the herbs and the roots, collected with plenty of trouble,


s: I should he sorry to lose, though little in value they may be.


s: If the dispenser remains, I shall leave my house in good spirits


s: If my ready money is saved, and my body, why truly


s: All is saved, for a bachelor easily flies when 'tis needed."


s: Can that man be deem'd worthy, who both in good and ill fortune


s: Thinks alone of himself, and knows not the secret of sharing


s: Sorrows and joys with others, and feels no longing to do so?


s: I could more easily now than before determine to marry


s: Many an excellent maiden needs a husband's protection,


s: Many a man a cheerful wife, when sorrow's before him."


s: 'Twas not in time of pleasure that we made choice of each other,


s: And 'twas the saddest of hours, that knitted us closely together.


s: That most terrible fire occurr'd which burnt down the borough,


s: Twenty years ago now; the day, like to-day, was a Sunday,


s: Hot and dry was the weather, and little available water.


s: Little indeed could we save; I sat the sorrowful night through


s: On the green of the town, protecting the beds and the boxes.


s: Finally sleep overtook me, and when by the cool breeze of morning


s: Rose the sun more brilliant than ever, my spirits reviving.


s: Then in haste I arose, impell'd the site to revisit


s: Where our dwelling had stood, to see if the chickens were living


s: Which I especially loved; for childlike I still was by nature.


s: But when over the ruins of courtyard and house I was climbing,


s: Which still smoked, and saw my dwelling destroy'd and deserted,


s: You came up on the other side, the ruins exploring.


s: You had a horse shut up in his stall; the still-glowing rafters


s: For the wall had fallen which used to sever our courtyards;


s: And you grasp'd my hand, addressing me softly as follows


s: And you sat me down and kiss'd me, and I tried to stop you,


s: But you presently said, with kindly words full of meaning


s: 'See, my house is destroy'd! Stop here and help me to build it,


s: I in return will help to rebuild the house of your father.'


s: I understood you not, till you sent to my father your mother,


s: And ere long our marriage fulfilid the troth we soon plighted.


s: For on that day I gain'd my husband; the son of my youth too


s: Gained I during that earliest time of the wild desolation.


s: Then the father straightway replied, with eagerness speaking:--


s: "Sensible is your opinion, and true is also the story


s: All their life and existence to find decided beforehand;


s: Have a house ready to give him, which he can successfully manage!


s: Numberless things a man must have, and ev'rything daily


s: Dearer becomes, so he needs to scrape together more money.


s: So I am hoping that you, dear Hermann, will shortly be bringing


s: Home to us a bride possessing an excellent dowry,


s: For a worthy husband deserves a girl who is wealthy,


s: Not in vain for years does the mother prepare for her daughter


s: Or the father lay by in his desk a few pieces of money.


s: Only well-to-do brides should be seen in a house, I consider,


s: For a poor one is sure at last to be scorn'd by her husband,


s: Make him daily richer, for when does a merchant not prosper?


s: Then, with modesty, answer'd the son his impetuous father


s: "Truly my wish was, like yours, to marry one of the daughters


s: Of our neighbour. We all, in fact, were brought up together,


s: Sported in youthful days near the fountain adjoining the market,


s: And from the rudeness of boys I often managed to save them.


s: But I was never much pleased at holding intercourse with them,


s: For they were always finding fault, and I had to bear it


s: First my coat was too long, the cloth too coarse, and the colour


s: Far too common, my hair was cut and curl'd very badly.


s: I at last was thinking of dressing myself like the shop-boys,


s: But ere long I discover'd they only intended to fool me


s: This was very annoying, my pride was offended, but more still


s: Felt I deeply wounded that they so mistook the good feelings


s: Which I cherish'd towards them, especially Minnie, the youngest.


s: Well, I went last Easter, politely to pay them a visit,


s: And I wore the new coat now hanging up in the closet,


s: And was frizzled and curld, like all the rest of the youngsters.


s: Minnie sat at the piano, the father was present amongst them,


s: And I fain would express my opinion; so when she had ended,


s: I ask'd questions respecting the text, and who were the persons.


s: All were silent and smiled; but presently answer'd the father


s: 'Did you e'er happen, my friend, to hear of Eve or of Adam?'


s: Lasted all the time the singing and playing continued.


s: Then I hasten'd home, ashamed and full of vexation,


s: Hung up my coat in the closet, and put my hair in disorder


s: And I hear they're so rude as to give me the nickname Tamino."


s: Minnie's an excellent girl, and has a tenderness for you;


s: But the father sprang up, and said, in words full of anger


s: "Little comfort you give me, in truth! I always have said it,


s: Thus with empty hopes your mother early deceived me,


s: This all comes from a youth not possessing a due sense of honour,


s: Had my father but cared for me, as I have for you, sir,


s: Sent me to school betimes, and given me proper instructors,


s: I should not merely have been the host of the famed Golden Lion."


s: But the son arose, and approach'd the doorway in silence,


s: Slowly, and making no noise: but then the father in dudgeon


s: After him shouted:--"Be off! I know you're an obstinate fellow!


s: Go and look after the business; else I shall scold you severely;


s: But don't fancy I'll ever allow you to bring home in triumph


s: As my daughter-in-law any boorish impudent hussy.


s: But my daughter-in-law must have useful qualities also,


s: And be able to soften my manifold cares and vexations.


s: She must also play on the piano, that all the best people


s: Here in the town may take pleasure in often coming to see us,


s: THUS did the prudent son escape from the hot conversation,


s: But the father continued precisely as he had begun it


s: What is not in a man can never come out of him, surely!


s: Never, I fear, shall I see fulfill'd my dearest of wishes,


s: That my son should be unlike his father, but better.


s: What would be the fate of a house or a town, if its inmates


s: Did not all take pride in preserving, renewing, improving,


s: As we are taught by the age, and by the wisdom of strangers?


s: Leaving behind him no trace of what he has done in his lifetime.


s: One can judge by the look of a house of the taste of its master,


s: As on ent'ring a town, one can judge the authorities' fitness.


s: For where the towers and walls are falling, where in the ditches


s: Dirt is collected, and dirt in every street is seen lying,


s: New supports; that town is sure to be wretchedly managed.


s: For where order and cleanliness reign not supreme in high places,


s: Till his own native town, however small, he sees better'd.


s: Six times in Council I superintended the town's works, receiving


s: Hearty thanks and assistance from every well-disposed burgher.


s: Finally, every man in the Council took pleasure in working.


s: All put forth their exertions, and now they have finally settled


s: Forthwith to him replied the excellent sensible mother


s: "Father, you're always unjust whenever you speak of your son, and


s: For we cannot fashion our children after our fancy.


s: We must have them and love them, as God has given them to us,


s: Bring them up for the best, and let each do as he listeth.


s: One has one kind of gift, another possesses another,


s: Each one employs them, and each in turn in his separate fashion


s: Good and happy becomes. My Hermann shall not be upbraided,


s: For I know that he well deserves the wealth he'll inherit;


s: Then she left the apartment, and after her son hasten'd quickly,


s: Hoping somewhere to find him, and with her words of affection


s: Gladden his heart, for he, the excellent son, well deserved it.


s: Smilingly, when she had closed the door, continued the father


s: "What a wonderful race of people are women and children.


s: All of them fain would do whatever pleases their fancy,


s: And we're only alow'd to praise them and flatter them freely.


s: Once for all there's truth in the ancient proverb which tells us:


s: Active and fussy to he, improving both inside and outside?


s: Sadly confined are the means of a burgher; e'en when he knows it,


s: And the sum wanted too great; and so he is always prevented.


s: I have had plenty of schemes! but then I was terribly frighten'd


s: At the expense, especially during a time of such danger.


s: Long had my house smiled upon me, decked out in modish exterior,


s: Only look at the house up yonder, the new one: how handsome


s: He to whom I gave coffee inside my beautiful grotto,


s: Which, alas! is now cover'd with dust and tumbling to pieces,


s: Used to rejoice in the colour'd glimmering light of the mussels,


s: Ranged in natural order around it, and connoisseurs even


s: Used with dazzled eyes to gaze at the spars and the coral.


s: Ah, if only such things were now to be seen! Little care I


s: Now to go out; for everything needs to be alter'd and tasteful,


s: Now are employ'd, and foreign timber is now all the fashion.


s: I should be only too pleased to possess some novelty also,


s: So as to march with the times, and my household furniture alter.


s: But we all are afraid to make the least alteration,


s: For who is able to pay the present charges of workmen?


s: Lately a fancy possess'd me, the angel Michael, whose figure


s: Hangs up over my shop, to treat to a new coat of gilding,


s: And the terrible Dragon, who round his feet is entwining;


s: THUS the men discoursed together; and meanwhile the mother


s: Went in search of her son,--at first in front of the dwelling


s: On the bench of stone, for he was accustom'd to sit there.


s: When she found him not there, she went to look in the stable,


s: Then she nimbly strode across the long double courtyard,


s: Left the stables behind, and the barns all made of good timber,


s: For a bustling woman is never idle one moment.


s: In this manner she came to the end of the long-reaching garden,


s: But she found on the latch the door which out of the arbour


s: Through the wall of the town had been made by special permission


s: During their ancestor's time, the worthy old burgomaster.


s: So she easily stepp'd across the dry ditch at the spot where


s: On the highway abutted their well-inclosed excellent vineyard.


s: Rising steeply upwards, its face tow'rd the sun turn'd directly.


s: Up the hill she proceeded, rejoicing, as farther she mounted,


s: Which was ascended by steps of rough flat pieces constructed.


s: And within it were hanging fine chasselas and muscatels also,


s: And a reddish-blue grape, of quite an exceptional bigness,


s: Smaller grapes producing, from which the finest wine made is.


s: So she constantly mounted, enjoying in prospect the autumn.


s: And the festal day, when the neighbourhood met with rejoicing,


s: Blazing and cracking away, due honour to pay to the harvest.


s: But she uneasy became, when she in vain had been calling


s: (As he before had told her) in order to ward off all sorrow


s: From his dear mother, and her forebodings of coming disaster.


s: But she still was expecting upon the highway to find him,


s: At their own crops, and at the corn which nodded so bravely,


s: Over the whole field in golden majesty waving.


s: Then on the border between the fields she follow'd the footpath,


s: Far and wide was it visible; noted also its fruit was.


s: Under its shadow the reaper ate his dinner at noonday,


s: And the herdsman was wont to lie, when tending his cattle.


s: On his arm he was leaning, and seem'd to be looking cross country


s: Softly creeping up, she lightly tapp'd on his shoulder;


s: And he hastily turn'd; she saw that his eyes full of tears were.


s: "What! You are weeping, my son?" the startled mother continued


s: "That is indeed unlike you! I never before saw you crying!


s: Then the excellent youth collected himself, and made answer


s: "Truly that man can have no heart, but a bosom of iron,


s: Who no sympathy feels for the wants of unfortunate exiles;


s: What I to-day have seen and heard, has stirr'd up my feelings;


s: Well, I have come up here, and seen the beautiful, spreading


s: Landscape, which in fruitful hills to our sight is presented,


s: Seen the golden fruit of the sheaves all nodding together,


s: And a plentiful crop of fruit, full garners foreboding.


s: But, alas, how near is the foe! By the Rhine's flowing waters


s: We are protected indeed; but what are rivers and mountains


s: To such a terrible nation, which hurries along like a tempest!


s: For they summon together the young and the old from all quarters,


s: That I was lately excused, when they selected the fighters


s: Out of the townfolk. 'Tis true I'm an only son, and more-over


s: Large is our inn, and our business also is very important;


s: Were it not better however for me to fight in the vanguard


s: On the frontier, than here to await disaster and bondage?


s: Yes, my spirit has told me, and in my innermost bosom


s: Feel I courage and longing to live and die for my country,


s: And to others to set an example worthy to follow.


s: Under our eyes to consume the fruits of the land, or to issue


s: Orders unto our men, or despoil our women and maidens!


s: See, good mother, within my inmost heart I've determined


s: Soon and straightway to do what seems to me right and becoming;


s: For the man who thinks long, not always chooses what best is.


s: In my bosom or not, and whether I yearn to mount upwards."


s: Then with significance answer'd his good and sensible mother,


s: Shedding tears in silence, which easily rose in her eyelids:--


s: As you till yesterday did, nor tell her truly your wishes?


s: If another had heard you speaking, he doubtless would praise you


s: Highly, and deem your new resolution as worthy of honour,


s: Being deceived by your words, and by your manner of speaking.


s: I however can only blame you. I know you much better.


s: Nor, to please the maidens, care you to wear regimentals.


s: For, though brave you may be, and gallant, your proper vocation


s: Is to remain at home, the property quietly watching.


s: Therefore tell me truly: What means this sudden decision?"


s: Ofttimes he ripens better to action in silence than living


s: That tumultuous noisy life which ruins so many.


s: And though silent I have been, and am, a heart has been fashion'd


s: And I am able right well to discriminate secular matters.


s: Work moreover my arms and my feet has mightily strengthen'd.


s: All that I tell you is true; I boldly venture to say so.


s: Calls me away from my father's house, nor a resolute purpose


s: Useful to be to my country, and dreaded to be by the foeman.


s: Words alone it was that I utter'd,--words only intended


s: Wishes that are but vain, my life will be to no purpose.


s: For I know that the Unit who makes a self-sacrifice, only


s: Injures himself, unless all endeavour the Whole to accomplish."


s: "Now continue," replied forthwith his sensible mother:--


s: And the hasty are easily forced from the road by obstructions.


s: But a woman is skillful, and full of resources, and scorns not


s: Then the youth gave way to his sorrow, and burst into weeping,


s: Weeping aloud on the breast of his mother, and softly replying


s: "Truly, my father's words to-day have wounded me sadly,


s: Never have I deserved at his hands such treatment,--no, never!


s: For to honour my parents was always my wish from my childhood,


s: No one ever appear'd so prudent and wise as my parents,


s: Who in the darker days of childhood carefully watch'd me.


s: Much indeed it has been my lot to endure from my playmates,


s: When with their knavish pranks they used to embitter my temper.


s: Often I little suspected the tricks they were playing upon me:


s: But if they happen'd to ridicule Father, whenever on Sundays


s: Out of church he came with his slow deliberate footsteps,


s: Fell upon them and hit and struck with terrible onslaught,


s: Heedless where my blows fell. With bleeding noses they halloed,


s: Always rememb'ring the much-to-be-honour'd kindness of parents,


s: But, alas, not saving alone, for enjoyment hereafter,


s: Constitutes happiness, no, not heaps of gold or of silver,


s: Neither field upon field, however compact the estate be.


s: Now look down from this height, and see how beauteous before us


s: Lies the fair rich expanse, with vineyard and gardens at bottom;


s: Of the roof may be seen the window of my small apartment.


s: Ah, how lonely do all things appear! My chamber, the court, and


s: Then his good mother answer'd his speech in a sensible manner


s: "Son, your wish to be able to lead your bride to her chamber,


s: Cannot be greater than that of your father and mother. We always


s: If the right hour arrives not, or if the right maiden appears not


s: If I may tell you, my son, your choice already is taken,


s: For your heart is smitten, and sensitive more than is usual.


s: Answer me plainly, then, for my spirit already has told me:


s: She whom now you have chosen is that poor emigrant maiden!"


s: "Yes, dear mother, you're right!" the son with vivacity answer'd


s: Yes, it is she! And unless this very day I conduct her


s: Home as my bride, she will go on her way and escape me for ever,


s: In the confusion of war, and in moving backwards and forwards.


s: Mother, then before my eyes will in vain he unfolded


s: All our rich estate, and each year henceforward be fruitful.


s: Yes, the familiar house and the garden will be my aversion.


s: Ah, and the love of my mother no comfort will give to my sorrow,


s: For I feel that by Love each former bond must be loosen'd,


s: When her own bonds she knits; 'tis not the maiden alone who


s: When he beholds the maiden, the only beloved one, approaching.


s: Therefore let me go hence, to where desperation may lead me,


s: For my father already has spoken in words of decision,


s: And his house no longer is mine, if he shuts out the maiden


s: Whom alone I would fain take home as my bride from henceforward."


s: Then the excellent sensible mother answer'd with quickness


s: Which he never intends; and so will accept the Refused One.


s: But he requires kind words, and has a right to require them,


s: For your father he is; his anger is all after dinner,


s: When he more eagerly speaks, and questions the reasons of others,


s: Of his impetuous will, and prevents him from giving due weight to


s: But when evening arrives, the tone of the many discourses


s: Come, we will venture at once! Success the reward is of boldness,


s: Thus she eagerly spoke, and leaving the stone that she sat on,


s: Also lifted her son from his seat. He willingly follow'd,


s: And they descended in silence, revolving the weighty proposal.


s: And the conversation still concern'd the same subject,


s: Which in every form they had long been discussing together.


s: Full of noble thoughts, the excellent pastor continued


s: "I can't contradict you. I know 'tis the duty of mortals


s: And in clinging to that to which we have long been accustom'd.


s: Each situation is good that's accordant to nature and reason.


s: Many things man desires, and yet he has need of but little;


s: For but short are the days, and confined is the lot of a mortal.


s: I can never blame the man who, active and restless,


s: Hurries along, and explores each corner of earth and the ocean


s: Boldly and carefully, while he rejoices at seeing the profits


s: Which round him and his family gather themselves in abundance.


s: But I also duly esteem the peaceable burgher,


s: Who with silent steps his paternal inheritance paces,


s: And watches over the earth, the seasons carefully noting.


s: 'Tis not every year that he finds his property alter'd;


s: No, a man has need of patience, he also has need of


s: Pure unruffled tranquil thoughts and an intellect honest;


s: For to the nourishing earth few seeds at a time he entrusteth,


s: 'Tis by him that we all are fed. And happy the townsman


s: Who, with limited means,--especially women and maidens,--


s: Think of nothing but aping the ways of the great and the wealthy,


s: And the like-minded wife whom we soon may expect him to marry.


s: "Father," she said, "how often have we, when talking together,


s: Thought of that joyful day in the future, when Hermann, selecting


s: Hither and shown him by Heaven; his heart at length has decided.


s: Were we not always saying that he should choose for himself, and


s: Were you not lately wishing that he might feel for a maiden


s: That fair maiden it is, the Stranger whom he encounter'd.


s: And the son added himself:--"My father, O give her! My heart has


s: Chosen purely and truly: she'll make you an excellent daughter."


s: But the father was silent. Then suddenly rose the good pastor,


s: And address'd him as follows:--" One single moment's decisive


s: Both of the life of a man, and of the whole of his Future.


s: After lengthen'd reflection, each resolution made by him


s: First this point and then that, and so confusing the feelings.


s: What he desired, was suitable to him; he held to it firmly.


s: Be not astonish'd and scared, because there appears on a sudden


s: Come from above upon us, each clad in its own proper figure.


s: Do not now mistake the maiden who has succeeded


s: And whose dearest wish is not doom'd to pine in his bosom!


s: Yes, I can see by his face, already his fate is decided;


s: True affection converts the youth to a man in a moment.


s: He little changeable is; I fear me, if this you deny him,


s: All the fairest years of his life will be changed into sorrow."


s: Then in prudent fashion the druggist, who long had been wanting


s: His opinion to give, rejoin'd in the following manner


s: "This is Just a case when the middle course is the wisest!


s: 'Hasten slowly,' you know, was the motto of Caesar Augustus.


s: I am always ready to be of use to my neighbours,


s: And to turn to their profit what little wits I can boast of.


s: Youth especially needs the guidance of those who are older.


s: Let me then depart; I fain would prove her, that maiden,


s: Then forthwith replied the son, with eagerness speaking:--


s: "Do so, neighbour, and go, make your inquiries. However,


s: O, my father! the maiden no vagabond is, I assure you,


s: No mere adventurer, wand'ring about all over the country,


s: And deceiving the inexperienced youths with her cunning;


s: Many a time-honour'd fabric, has driven the poor thing to exile.


s: Are not brave men of noble birth now wand'ring in mis'ry?


s: Princes are fleeing disguised, and monarchs in banishment living.


s: Out of her native land; but her own misfortunes forgetting,


s: May not I, in the arms of my bride, the wife I have chosen,


s: Even rejoice at the war, as you at the great conflagration?"


s: Then replied the father, and open'd his mouth with importance:--


s: How the ardent will of a son a too-gentle mother


s: Willingly favours, whilst each neighbour is ready to back him,


s: Only provided it be at the cost of a father or husband!


s: But what use would it be to resist so many together?


s: For I see that defiance and tears will otherwise greet me.


s: Go and prove her, and in God's name then hasten to bring her


s: Thus spake the father. The son exclaim'd with jubilant gesture


s: And I venture to think the good creature is fortunate also.


s: Yes, she will ever be grateful that I her father and mother


s: Have restored her in you, as sensible children would wish it.


s: But I will loiter no longer; I'll straightway harness the horses,


s: Leave the men to themselves and their own intuitive wisdom,


s: And be guided alone by their decision--I swear it,--


s: And not see the maiden again, until she my own is."


s: Then he left the house; meanwhile the others were eagerly


s: Settling many a point, and the weighty matter debating.


s: Quickly drew the harness through the well-plated buckles,


s: And then fastend the long broad reins in proper position,


s: Led the horses out in the yard, where already the carriage,


s: Easily moved along by its pole, had been push'd by the servant.


s: Swiftly he drove away, and left the pavement behind them,


s: Left behind the walls of the town and the clean-looking towers,


s: Thus sped Hermann along, till he reach'd the familiar highway,


s: Not delaying a moment, and galloping uphill and downhill.


s: When however at length the village steeple descried he,


s: And not far away lay the houses surrounded by gardens,


s: He began to think it was time to hold in the horses.


s: By the time-honour'd gloom of noble lime-trees o'er shadow'd,


s: Which for many a century past on the spot had been rooted,


s: With the carriage to stop. He did so, and spoke then as follows


s: "Now, my friends, get down, and go by yourselves to discover


s: Whether the maiden is worthy to have the hand which I offer.


s: Her you will easily recognize 'mongst all the rest of the people,


s: But I will now describe the modest dress she is wearing:--


s: First a bodice red her well-arch'd bosom upraises,


s: Which with modest grace, her chin so round is encircling.


s: Free and joyously rises her head with its elegant oval,


s: And as she walks envelopes her well-turn'd ankles completely.


s: But I have one thing to say, and this must expressly entreat you:


s: When you have learnt enough to satisfy father and mother,


s: Then return to me straight, and we'll settle future proceedings.


s: This is the plan which I have matured, while driving you hither."


s: Thus he spoke, and the friends forthwith went on to the village,


s: Where, in gardens and barns and houses, the multitude crowded;


s: All along the broad road the numberless carts were collected,


s: Men were feeding the lowing cattle and feeding the horses.


s: Women on every hedge the linen were carefully drying,


s: But wherever they look'd, no trace of the girl they discover'd.


s: Presently denser became the crowd. Round some of the waggons.


s: Men in a passion were quarrelling, women also were screaming.


s: Then of a sudden approach'd an aged man with firm footstep


s: And toleration, though each cannot measure the actions of others?


s: How no longer as formerly you should quarrel with brethren?


s: Thus the man address'd them, and all were silent. In peaceful


s: Humour the reconciled men look'd after their cattle and waggons.


s: When the pastor heard the man discourse in this fashion,


s: And the foreign magistrate's peaceful nature discovered,


s: He approach'd him in turn, and used this significant language


s: "Truly, Father, when nations are living in days of good fortune,


s: Then all matters go smoothly; each thinks himself far the wisest,


s: And the most sensible man no better than others is reckon'd


s: For the world moves on, as if by itself and in silence.


s: But when distress unsettles our usual manner of living,


s: And no longer in vain he utters his words full of wisdom.


s: Tell me whether you be these fugitives' magistrate, Father,


s: Then with solemn looks the magistrate answer'd as follows


s: "Truly the present times resemble the strangest of old times,


s: Which are preserved in the pages of history, sacred or common.


s: He in these days who has lived to-day and yesterday only,


s: Many a year has lived, events so crowd on each other.


s: When I reflect back a little, a grey old age I could fancy


s: On my head to be lying, and yet my strength is still active.


s: Yes, we people in truth may liken ourselves to those others


s: Unto whom in a fiery bush appear'd, in a solemn


s: Moment, the Lord our God; in fire and clouds we behold him."


s: When the pastor would fain continue to speak on this subject,


s: And was anxious to learn the fate of the man and his party,


s: Quickly into his ear his companion secretly whisper'd


s: I am successful, I'll join you again." Then nodded the pastor,


s: WHEN the pastor ask'd the foreign magistrate questions,


s: For we have drunk the bitters of many a long year together,


s: And that with purer pulses his breast more freely was throbbing,


s: When the newborn sun first rose in the whole of its glory,


s: When we heard of the right of man, to have all things in common,


s: Heard of noble Equality, and of inspiriting Freedom!


s: Fetters held by the hands of sloth and selfish indulgence.


s: Did not all nations turn their gaze, in those days of emotion,


s: Were not the men, who first proclaim'd so noble a message,


s: "And we also, as neighbours, at first were warmly excited.


s: Presently after began the war, and the train of arm'd Frenchmen


s: And the gay trees of liberty ev'rywhere gladly they planted,


s: Promising unto each his own, and the government long'd for.


s: Greatly at this was youth, and greatly old age was delighted,


s: And the joyous dance began round the newly-raised standards.


s: In this manner the overpowering Frenchmen soon conquer'd


s: First the minds of the men, with their fiery lively proceedings,


s: Then the hearts of the women, with irresistible graces.


s: Luring our gaze far ahead into paths now first open'd before us.


s: "O how joyful the time, when with his bride the glad bridegroom


s: "But the heavens soon clouded became. For the sake of the mast'ry


s: And the inferiors down to the lowest caroused and robb'd also.


s: Nobody thought of aught else than having enough for tomorrow.


s: Terrible was the distress, and daily increased the oppression.


s: None the cry understood, that they of the day were the masters.


s: Then even temperate minds were attack'd by sorrow and fury;


s: Presently Fortune declared herself on the side of the Germans,


s: And he spares the man he has vanquish'd, as if he his own were,


s: When he employs him daily, and with his property helps him.


s: But the fugitive knows no law; he wards off death only,


s: Fills his heart, and impels him to all kinds of criminal actions.


s: "Then in the minds of our men arose a terrible yearning


s: By their pale faces, and by their shy, uncertain demeanour.


s: There was heard the sound of alarm-bells unceasingly ringing,


s: And the approach of danger restrain'd not their violent fury.


s: Soon into weapons were turn'd the implements peaceful of tillage,