第4章

THERECKONING。

LEADER。

LETnocaresnowhovero’erusLetthewineunsparingrun！

Wiltthouswellourmerrychorus？

Hastthouallthydutydone？

SOLO。

Twoyoungfolks——thethingiscurious——

Lovedeachother。yesterdayBothquitemild，to-dayquitefurious，Nextday，quitethedeucetopay！

Ifherneckshetherewasstooping，Hemusthereneedspullhishair。

Irevivedtheirspiritsdrooping，Andthey’renowahappypair。

CHORUS。

Surelyweforwinemaylanguish！

Letthebumperthengoround！

ForallsighsandgroansofanguishThouto-dayinjoyhastdrown’d。

SOLO。

Why，youngorphan，allthiswailing？

WouldtoheaventhatIweredead！

Formyguardian’scraftprevailingSoonwillmakemebegmybread。

Knowingwelltherascalgenus，IntocourtIdragg’dtheknave。

Fairthejudgeswerebetweenus，Andthemaiden’swealthdidsave。

CHORUS。

Surelyweforwinemaylanguish！

Letthebumperthengoround！

ForallsighsandgroansofanguishThouto-dayinjoyhastdrown’d。

SOLO。

Toalittlefellow，quiet，Unpretendingandsubdued，Hasabigclown，runningriot，Beento-dayextremelyrude。

Ibethoughtmeofmyduty，Andmycourageswell’dapace，SoIspoil’dtherascal’sbeauty，Slashinghimacrosstheface。

CHORUS。

Surelyweforwinemaylanguish！

Letthebumperthengoround！

ForallsighsandgroansofanguishThouto-dayinjoyhastdrown’d。

SOLO。

Briefmustbemyexplanation，ForIreallyhavedonenought。

Freefromtroubleandvexation，Ialandlord’sbusinessbought。

ThereI’vedone，withalldueardour，Allthatdutyorder’dme。

Eachoneask’dmeforthelarder，Andtherewasnoscarcity。

CHORUS。

Surelyweforwinemaylanguish！

Letthebumperthengoround！

ForallsighsandgroansofanguishThouto-dayinjoyhastdrown’d。

LEADER。

EachshouldthusmakeproclamationOfwhathedidwellto-day！

That’sthematchwhoseconflagrationShouldinflameourtunefullay。

LetitbeourprecepteverToadmitnowavererhere！

Fortoactthegoodendeavour，Nonebutrascalsmeekappear。

CHORUS。

Surelyweforwinemaylanguish！

Letthebumperthengoround！

ForallsighsandgroansofanguishWehavenowinrapturedrown’d。

TRIO。

Leteachmerryminstrelenter，He’srightwelcometoourhall！

’Tisbutwiththeself膖ormentorThatwearenotliberal。

Forwefearthathiscaprices，Thathiseye-browsdarkandsad，ThathisgriefthatneverceasesHideanemptyheart，orbad。

CHORUS。

Noonenowforwineshalllanguish！

Herenominstrelshallbefound，Whoallsighsandgroansofanguish，Hasnotfirstinrapturedrown’d！

1810——

ERGOBIBAMUS！

FORapraiseworthyobjectwe’renowgather’dhere，So，brethren，sing：ERGOBIBAMUS！

Tho’talkmaybehush’d，yettheglassesringclear，Rememberthen：ERGOBIBAMUS！

Intruth’tisanold，’tisanexcellentword，Withitssoundsobefittingeachbosomisstirr’d，Andanechothefestalhallfillingisheard，AgloriousERGOBIBAMUS！

Isawmineownloveinherbeautysorare，Andbethoughtmeof：ERGOBIBAMUS。

SoIgentlyapproach’d，andsheletmestandthere，WhileIhelp’dmyself，thinking：BIBAMUS！

Andwhenshe’sappeased，andwillclaspyouandkiss，Orwhenthoseembracesandkissesyemiss，Takerefuge，tillsoundissomeworthierbliss，InthecomfortingERGOBIBAMUS！

Iamcall’dbymyfatefarawayfromeachfriend。

Yelovedones，then：ERGOBIBAMUS！

Withwalletlight-ladenfromhenceImustwend。

SodoubleourERGOBIBAMUS！

Whate’ertohistreasurestheniggardmayadd，Yetregardforthejoyouswilleverbehad，Forgladnesslendsoveritscharmstotheglad，So，brethren，sing。ERGOBIBAMUS！

Andwhatshallwesayofto-dayasitflies？

Ithoughtbutof：ERGOBIBAMUS

’Tisoneofthosetrulythatseldomarise，Soagainandagainsing：BIBAMUS！

Forjoythroughawide-openportalitguides，Brightglittertheclouds，asthecurtaindivides，Anaform，adivineone，togreetusinglides，Whilewethunderour：ERGOBIBAMUS！

1810——

EPIPHANIAS。

THEthreeholykingswiththeirstar’sbrightray，——

Theyeatandtheydrink，buthadrathernotpay。

Theyliketoeatanddrinkaway，Theyeatanddrink，buthadrathernotpay。

Thethreeholykingshaveallcomehere，Innumbernotfour，butthreetheyappear。

Andifafourthjoin’dtheotherthree，Increasedbyonetheirnumberwouldbe。

ThefirstamI，——thefairandthewhite，Ioughttobeseenwhenthesunshinesbright！

But，alas！withallmyspicesandmyrrh，Nogirlnowlikesme，——Ipleasenother。

ThenextamI，——thebrownandthelong，Knownwelltowomen，knownwelltosong。

Insteadofspices，’tisgoldIbear，AndsoI’mwelcomeeverywhere。

ThelastamI，——theblackandsmall，Andfainwouldberightmerrywithal。

Iliketoeatandtodrinkfullmeasure，Ieatanddrink，andgivethankswithpleasure。

Thethreeholykingsarefriendlyandmild，TheyseektheMother，andseektheChild。

ThepiousJosephissittingby，Theoxandtheassontheirlitterlie。

We’rebringinggold，we’rebringingmyrrh，Thewomenincensealwaysprefer。

Andifwehavewineofaworthygrowth，Wethreetodrinklikesixarenotloth。

Ashereweseefairladsandlasses，Butnotasignofoxenorasses，WeknowthatwehavegoneastrayAndsogofurtheronourway——

BALLADS——

Poet’sartiseverableToendowwithtruthmerefable——

MIGNON。

[ThisuniversallyknownpoemisalsotobefoundinWilhelmMeister。]

KNOW’STthouthelandwherethefaircitronblows，Wherethebrightorangemidstthefoliageglows，Wheresoftwindsgreetusfromtheazureskies，Wheresilentmyrtles，statelylaurelsrise，Know’stthouitwell？

’Tisthere，’tisthere，ThatIwiththee，belovedone，wouldrepair。

Know’stthouthehouse？Oncolumnsrestsitspile，Itshallsaregleaming，anditschamberssmile，Andmarblestatuesstandandgazeonme：

Poorchild！whatsorrowhathbefallenthee？

Know’stthouitwell？

’Tisthere，’tisthere，ThatIwiththee，protector，wouldrepair！

Know’stthouthemountain，anditscloudybridge？

Themulecanscarcelyfindthemistyridge。

Incavernsdwellsthedragon’soldenbrood，Thefrowningcragobstructstheragingflood。

Know’stthouitwell？

’Tisthere，’tisthere，Ourpathlies——Father——thither，ohrepair！

1795。*——

THEMINSTREL。

[ThisfinepoemisintroducedinthesecondbookofWilhelmMeister。]

WHATtunefulstrainssalutemineearWithoutthecastlewalls？

Oh，letthesongre-echohere，Withinourfestalhalls！

Thusspaketheking，thepageout-hied。

Theboyreturn’d。themonarchcried：

Admittheoldmanyonder！

Allhail，yenoblelordsto-night！

Allhail，yebeauteousdames！

Starplacedbystar！Whatheavenlysight！

Whoe’ercantelltheirnames？

Withinthisglitteringhallsublime，Beclosed，mineeyes！’tisnotthetimeFormetofeastmywonder。

Theminstrelstraightwayclosedhiseyes，Andwokeathrillingtone。

Theknightslook’doninknightlyguise，Fairlookstow’rdearthwerethrown。

Themonarch，ravish’dbythestrain，Badethembringforthagoldenchain，Tobehisnumbers’guerdon。

Thegoldenchaingivenottome，ButgivethechaintothoseInwhoseboldfaceweshiver’dseeThelancesofourfoes。

Orgiveittothychancellorthere。

WithotherburdenshemaybearThisonemoregoldenburden。

Ising，likebirdsofblithesomenote，Thatinthebranchesdwell。

ThesongthatrisesfromthethroatRepaystheminstrelwell。

OneboonI’dcrave，ifnottoobold——

OnebumperinacupofgoldBeasmyguerdongiven。

Thebowlheraised，thebowlhequaff’d：

Ohdrink，withsolacefraught！

Oh，housethrice-blest，wheresuchadraughtAtriflinggiftisthought！

WhenFortunesmiles，rememberme，AndasIthankyouheartily，AswarmlythankyeHeaven！

1795。*——

BALLAD

OFTHEBANISHEDANDRETURNINGCOUNT。

[GoethebegantowriteanoperacalledLowenstuhl，foundedupontheoldtraditionwhichformsthesubjectofthisBallad，buthenevercarriedouthisdesign。]

OH，enteroldminstrel，thoutime-honour’done！

Wechildrenarehereinthehallallalone，Theportalswestraightwaywillbar。

Ourmotherispraying，ourfatherisgoneTotheforest，onwolvestomakewar。

Ohsingusaballad，thetalethenrepeat，’TillbrotherandIlearnitright。

Welonghavebeenhopingaminstreltomeet，Forchildrenheartaleswithdelight。

Atmidnight，whendarknessitsfearfulveilweaves，Hisloftyandstatelyoldcastleheleaves，Butfirsthehasburiedhiswealth。

Whatfigureisthatinhisarmsoneperceives，AstheCountquitsthegatewaybystealth？

O’erwhatishismantlesohastilythrown？

Whatbearshealonginhisflight？

Adaughteritis，andshegentlysleepson——

Thechildrentheyhearwithdelight。

Themorningsoonglimmers。theworldissowide，Invalleysandforestsahomeissupplied，Thebardineachvillageischeer’d。

Thuslivesheandwanders，whileyearsonwardglide，Andlongerstillwaxeshisbeard。

Butthemaidensofairinhisarmsgrowsamain，’Neathherstarall-protectingandbright，Securedinthemantlefromwindandfromrain——

Thechildrentheyhearwithdelight。

Andyearuponyearwithswiftfootstepnowsteals，Themantleitfades，manyrentsitreveals，Themaidennomoreitcanhold。

Thefatherheseesher，whatrapturehefeels！

Hisjoycannotnowbecontroll’d。

Howworthysheseemsoftheracewhenceshesprings，Hownobleandfairtothesight！

Whatwealthtoherdearly-lovedfathershebrings！——

Thechildrentheyhearwithdelight。

Thencomesthereaprincelyknightgallopingby，Shestretchesherhandout，assoonashe’snigh，Butalmsherefusestogive。

Heseizesherhand，withasmileinhiseye：

’Thouartmine！’heexclaims，’whileIlive！’

’Whenthouknow’st，’criestheoldman，’thetreasurethat’sthere，Aprincessthou’ltmakeherofright。

Betroth’dbeshenow，onthisspotgreenandfair——’

Thechildrentheyhearwithdelight。

Soshe’sbless’dbythepriestonthehallowedplace，Andshegoeswithasmilingbutsorrowfulface，Fromherfathershefainwouldnotpart。

Theoldmanstillwanderswithne’er-changingpace，Hecoverswithjoyhissadheart。

SoIthinkofmydaughter，asyearspassaway，Andmygrandchildrenfarfrommysight。

Iblessthembynight，andIblessthembyday——

Thechildrentheyhearwithdelight。

Heblessesthechildren：aknockingtheyhear，Thefatheritis！Theyspringforwardinfear，Theoldmantheycannotconceal——

Thoubeggar，wouldstlure，then，mychildrensodear？

Straightseizehim，yevassalsofsteel！

Tothedungeonmostdeep，withthefool-hardyknave！

Themotherfromfarhearsthefight。

Shehastenswithflatt’ringentreatytocrave——

Thechildrentheyhearwithdelight。

ThevassalstheysuffertheBardtostandthere，Andmotherandchildrenimplorehimtospare，Theproudprincewouldstiflehisire，’Tilldriventofuryathearingtheirprayer，Hissmoulderingangertakesfire：

Thoupitifulrace！Oh，thoubeggarlycrew！

Eclipsingmystar，oncesobright！

Ye’llbringmedestruction，yesorelyshallrue！

Thechildrentheyhearwithaffright。

Theoldmanstillstandstherewithdignifiedmien，Thevassalsofsteelquakebeforehim，Iween，TheCount’sfuryincreasesinpower。

Myweddedexistenceacurselonghasbeen，Andthesearethefruitsfromthatflower！

’Tiseverdenied，andthesayingistrue，Thattowedwiththebase-bornisright。

Thebeggarhasbornemeabeggarlycrew，——

Thechildrentheyhearwithaffright。

Ifthehusband，thefather，thustreatsyouwithscorn，Iftheholiestbondsbyhimrashlyaretorn，Thencometoyourfather——tome！

Thebeggarmaygladdenlife’spathwayforlorn，Thoughagedandweakhemaybe。

Thiscastleismine！thouhastmadeitthyprey，Thypeople’twasputmetoflight。

ThetokensIbearwillconfirmwhatIsay——

Thechildrentheyhearwithdelight。

Thekingwhoerstgovern’dreturnethagain，AndrestorestotheFaithfulthegoodsthatwereta’en，I’llunsealallmytreasuresthewhile。

Thelawsshallbegentle，andpeacefulthereign——

Theoldmanthuscrieswithasmile——

Takecourage，myson！allhathturnedoutforgood，Andeachhathastarthatisbright，Thosetheprincesshathbornetheeareprincelyinblood，——

Thechildrenthyhearwithdelight。

1816——

THEVIOLET。

UPONthemeadavioletstood，Retiring，andofmodestmood，Intruth，avioletfair。

Thencameayouthfulshepherdess，Androam’dwithsprightlyjoyousness，Andblithelywoo’dWithcarolssweettheairAh！thoughttheviolet，hadIbeenForbutthesmallestmomente’enNature’smostbeauteousflower，’Tillgather’dbymylove，andpress’d，Whenweary，’gainsthergentlebreast，Fore’en，fore’enOnequarterofanhour！

Alas！alas！themaiddrewnigh，Thevioletfailedtomeethereye，Shecrush’dthevioletsweet。

Itsankanddied，yetmurmur’dnot：

AndifIdie，oh，happylot，ForherIdie，Andatherveryfeet！

1775。*——

THEFAITHLESSBOY。

THEREwasawooerblitheandgay，AsonofFrancewashe，——

Whoinhisarmsformanyaday，Asthoughhisbridewereshe，Apooryoungmaidenhadcaress’d，Andfondlykiss’d，andfondlypress’d，Andthenatlengthdeserted。

Whenthiswastoldthenut-brownmaid，Hersensesstraightwayfled。

Shelaugh’dandwept，andvow’dandpray’d，Andpresentlywasdead。

Thehourhersoulitsfarewelltook，Theboywassad，withterrorshook，Thenspranguponhischarger。

Hedrovehisspursintohisside，Andscour’dthecountryround。

Butwheresoeverhemightride，Norestforhimwasfound。

Forsevenlongdaysandnightsherode，Itstorm’d，thewatersoverflow’d，Itbluster’d，lighten’d，thunder’d。

Onrodehethroughthetempest’sdin，Tillheabuildingspied。

Insearchofsheltercrepthein，Whenhehissteedhadtied。

Andashegropedhisdoubtfulway，Thegroundbegantorockandsway，——

Hefellahundredfathoms。

Whenherecover’dfromtheblow，Hesawthreelightspassby。

Hesoughtintheirpursuittogo，Thelightsappear’dtofly。

Theyledhisfootstepsallastray，Up，down，throughmanyanarrowwayThroughruin’ddesertcellars。

Whenlo！hestoodwithinahall，Withholloweyes。andgrinningall。

Theybadehimtastethefare。

Ahundredguestssatthere。

Hesawhissweetheart’midstthethrong，Wrapp’dupingrave-clotheswhiteandlong。

Sheturn’d，and——*

1774。

(*ThisballadisintroducedinActII。ofClaudineofVillaBella，whereitissuddenlybrokenoff，asitishere。)——

THEERL-KING。

WHOridestheresolatethroughthenightdarkanddrear？

Thefatheritis，withhisinfantsodear。

Heholdeththeboytightlyclasp’dinhisarm，Heholdethhimsafely，hekeepethhimwarm。

Myson，whereforeseek’stthouthyfacethustohide？

Look，father，theErl-Kingisclosebyourside！

DostseenottheErl-King，withcrownandwithtrain？

Myson，’tisthemistrisingovertheplain。

Oh，come，thoudearinfant！ohcomethouwithme！

FullmanyagameIwillplaytherewiththee。

Onmystrand，lovelyflowerstheirblossomsunfold，Mymothershallgracetheewithgarmentsofgold。

Myfather，myfather，anddostthounothearThewordsthattheErl-Kingnowbreathesinmineear？

Becalm，dearestchild，’tisthyfancydeceives。

’Tisthesadwindthatsighsthroughthewitheringleaves。

Wiltgo，then，dearinfant，wiltgowithmethere？

MydaughtersshalltendtheewithsisterlycareMydaughtersbynighttheirgladfestivalkeep，They’lldancethee，androckthee，andsingtheetosleep。

Myfather，myfather，anddostthounotsee，HowtheErl-Kinghisdaughtershasbroughthereforme？

Mydarling，mydarling，Iseeitaright，’Tistheagedgreywillowsdeceivingthysight。

Ilovethee，I’mcharm’dbythybeauty，dearboy！

Andifthou’rtunwilling，thenforceI’llemploy。

Myfather，myfather，heseizesmefast，FullsorelytheErl-Kinghashurtmeatlast。

Thefathernowgallops，withterrorhalfwild，Hegraspsinhisarmsthepoorshudderingchild。

Hereacheshiscourtyardwithtoilandwithdread，——

Thechildinhisarmsfindshemotionless，dead。

1782。*——

JOHANNASEBUS。

[Tothememoryofanexcellentandbeautifulgirlof17，belongingtothevillageofBrienen，whoperishedonthe13thofJanuary，1809，whilstgivinghelpontheoccasionofthebreakingupoftheiceontheRhine，andtheburstingofthedamofCleverham。]

THEDAMBREAKSDOWN，THEICE-PLAINGROWLS，THEFLOODSARISE，THEWATERHOWLS。

I’llbearthee，mother，acrosstheswell，’Tisnotyethigh，Icanwaderightwell。

Rememberustoo！inwhatdangerarewe！

Thyfellow-lodger，andchildrenthree！

Thetremblingwoman！——Thou’rtgoingaway！

Shebearsthemotheracrossthespray。

Quick！hastetothemound，andawhiletherewait，I’llsoonreturn，andallwillbestraight。

Themound’scloseby，andsafefromthewet。

Buttakemygoattoo，mydarlingpet！

THEDAMDISSOLVES，THEICE-PLAINGROWLS，THEFLOODSDASHON，THEWATERHOWLS。

Sheplacesthemothersafeontheshore。

FairSusanthenturnstow’rdthefloodoncemore。

Ohwhither？Ohwhither？Thebreadthfastgrows，Bothhereandtherethewatero’erflows。

Wiltventure，thourashone，thebillowstobrave？

THEYSHALL，ANDTHEYMUSTBEPRESERVEDFROMTHEWAVE！

THEDAMDISAPPEARS，THEWATERGROWLS，LIKEOCEANBILLOWSITHEAVESANDHOWLS。

FairSusanreturnsbythewayshehadtried，Thewavesroararound，butsheturnsnotaside。

Shereachesthemound，andtheneighbourstraight，Butforherandthechildren，alas，toolate！

THEDAMDISAPPEAR’D，——LIKEASEAITGROWLS，ROUNDTHEHILLOCKINCIRCLINGEDDIESITHOWLS。

Thefoamingabyssgapeswide，andwhirlsround，Thewomenandchildrenarebornetotheground。

Thehornofthegoatbyoneisseizedfast，But，ah，theyallmustperishatlast！

FairSusanstillstands-there，untouch’dbythewave。

Theyoungest，thenoblest，oh，whonowwillsave？

FairSusanstillstandsthere，asbrightasastar，But，alas！allhope，allassistanceisfar。

Thefoamingwatersaroundherroar，Tosaveher，nobarkpushesofffromtheshore。

HergazeonceagainsheliftsuptoHeaven，Thengentlyawaybythefloodsheisdriven。

NODAM，NOPLAIN！TOMARKTHEPLACE

SOMESTRAGGLINGTREESARETHEONLYTRACE。

Therushingwaterthewildernesscovers，YetSusan’simagestillo’erithovers——

Thewatersinks，theplainsre-appear。

FairSusan’slamentedwithmanyatear，——

Mayhewhorefusesherstorytotell，Beneglectedinlifeandindeathaswell！

1809——

THEFISHERMAN。

THEwatersrush’d，thewatersrose，Afishermansatby，WhileonhislineincalmreposeHecasthispatienteye。

Andashesat，andhearken’dthere，Thefloodwascleftintwain，And，lo！adrippingmermaidfairSprangfromthetroubledmain。

Shesangtohim，andspakethewhile：

Whylurestthoumybrood，WithhumanwitandhumanguileFromouttheirnativeflood？

Oh，couldstthouknowhowgladlydartThefishacrossthesea，Thouwouldstdescend，e’enasthouart，Andtrulyhappybe！

DonotthesunandmoonwithgraceTheirformsinoceanlave？

Shinesnotwithtwofoldcharmstheirface，Whenrisingfromthewave？

Thedeep，deepheavens，thenluretheenot，——

Themoistyetradiantblue，——

Notthineownform，——totemptthylot’Midstthiseternaldew？

Thewatersrush’d，thewatersrose，Wettinghisnakedfeet。

Asifhistruelove’swordswerethose，Hisheartwithlongingbeat。

Shesangtohim，tohimspakeshe，Hisdoomwasfix’d，Iween。

Halfdrewshehim，andhalfsankhe，Andne’eragainwasseen。

1779。*——

THEKINGOFTHULE。*

(*ThisballadisalsointroducedinFaust，whereitissungbyMargaret。)

INThulelivedamonarch，Stillfaithfultothegrave，TowhomhisdyingmistressAgoldengobletgave。

Beyondallpricehedeem’dit，Hequaff’ditateachfeast。

And，whenhedrain’dthatgoblet，Histearstoflowne’erceas’d。

Andwhenhefeltdeathnearhim，Hiscitieso’erhetold，Andtohisheirleftallthings，Butnotthatcupofgold。

AregalbanquetheldheInhisancestralball，Inyondersea-wash’dcastle，’Mongsthisgreatnoblesall。

Therestoodtheagedreveller，Anddrankhislastlife’s-glow，——

Thenhurl’dtheholygobletIntothefloodbelow。

Hesawitfalling，filling，Andsinking’neaththemain，Hiseyesthenclosedforever，Heneverdrankagain。

1774——

THEBEAUTEOUSFLOWER。

SONGOFTHEIMPRISONEDCOUNT。

COUNT。

IKNOWaflowerofbeautyrare，Ah，howIholditdear！

ToseekitIwouldfainrepair，WereInotprison’dhere。

Mysorrowsoreoppressesme，ForwhenIwasatliberty，Ihaditclosebesideme。

Thoughfromthiscastle’swallssosteepIcastmineeyesaround，Andgazeoftfromtheloftykeep，Theflowercannotbefound。

Whoe’erwouldbringittomysight，Whetheravassalhe，orknight，MydearestfriendI’ddeemhim。

THEROSE。

Iblossomfair，——thytaleofwoesIhearfrom’neaththygrate。

Thoudoubtlessmeanestme，therose。

Poorknightofhighestate！

Thouhastintruthaloftymind。

Thequeenofflowersisthenenshrin’d，Idoubtnot，inthybosom。

COUNT。

Thyred，indressofgreenarray’d，AsworthallpraiseIhold。

Andsothou’rttreasuredbyeachmaidLikepreciousstonesorgold。

ThywreathadornsthefairestfaceButstillthou’rtnottheflowerwhosegraceIhonourhereinsilence。

THELILY。

Theroseiswontwithpridetoswell，Andeverseekstorise。

ButgentlesweetheartslovefullwellThelily’scharmstoprize，Theheartthatfillsabosomtrue，Thatis，likeme，unsulliedtoo，Mymeritvaluesduly。

COUNT。

Intruth，Ihopemyselfunstain’d，Andfreefromgrievouscrime。

YetIamhereaprisonerchain’d，Andpassingriefmytime，TomethouartanimagesureOfmanyamaiden，mildandpure，AndyetIknowadearer。

THEPINK。

Thatmustbeme，thepink，whoscentThewarder’sgardenhere。

OrwhereforeishesointentMycharmswithcaretorear？

Mypetalsstandinbeauteousring，SweetincenseallaroundIfling，Andboastathousandcolours。

COUNT。

Thepinkintruthweshouldnotslight，Itisthegardener’sprideItnowmuststandexposedtolight，Nowintheshadeabide。

YetwhatcanmaketheCount’sheartglowIsnomerepompofoutwardshow。

Itisasilentflower。

THEVIOLET。

HerestandI，modestlyhalfhid，Andfainwouldsilencekeep。

YetsincetospeakInowambid，I’llbreakmysilencedeep。

If，worthyKnight，Iamthatflower，ItgrievesmethatIhavenotpowerTobreatheforthallmysweetness。

COUNT。

Theviolet’scharmsIprizeindeed，Somodest’tis，andfair，Andsmellssosweet。yetmoreIneedToeasemyheavycare。

ThetruthI’llwhisperinthineear：

Upontheserockyheightssodrear，Icannotfindthelovedone。

Thetruestmaiden’neaththeskyRoamsnearthestreambelow，Andbreathesforthmanyagentlesigh，TillIfromhencecango。

Andwhensheplucksaflow’retblue，AndsaysForget-me-not！——I，too，Thoughfaraway，canfeelit。

Ay，distanceonlyswellslove’smight，Whenfondlyloveapair。

Thoughprison’dinthedungeon’snight，InlifeIlingerthereAndwhenmyheartisbreakingnigh，Forget-me-not！isallIcry，Andstraightwaylifereturneth。

1798——

SIRCURT’SWEDDING-JOURNEY。

WITHabridegroom’sjoyousbearing，MountsSirCurthisnoblebeast，Tohismistress’homerepairing，Theretoholdhisweddingfeast。

WhenathreateningfoeadvancesFromadesert，rockyspot。

Forthefraytheycouchtheirlances，Notdelaying，speakingnot。

Longthedoubtfulfightcontinues，VictorythenforCurtdeclares。

Conqueror，thoughwithweariedsinews，Forwardonhisroadhefares。

Whenhesees，thoughstrangeitmaybe，Something’midstthefoliagemove。

’Tisamother，withherbaby，Stealingsoftlythroughthegrove！

Anduponthespotshebeckons——

Wherefore，love，thisspeedsowild？

Ofthewealththystorehousereckons，Hastthounoughttogivethychild！

Flamesofrapturenowdartthroughhim，Andhelongsfornothingmore，WhilethemotherseemethtohimLovelyasthemaidofyore。

Buthehearshisservantsblowing，Andbethinkshimofhisbride。

Anderelong，whileonwardgoing，Chancespastafairtoride。

IntheboothsheforthwithbuyshimForhismistressmanyapledge。

But，alas！someJewssurprisehim，Andlong-standingdebtsallege。

AndthecourtsofjusticedulySendtheknighttoprisonstraight。

Ohaccursedstory，truly！

Forahero，whatafate！

Canmypatiencesuchthingsweather？

Greatismyperplexity。

Women，debts，andfoestogether，——

Ah，noknightescapesscotfree！

1803。*——

WEDDINGSONG。

THEtaleoftheCountourgladsongshallrecordWhohadinthiscastlehisdwelling，Wherenowyearefeastingthenew-marriedlord，Hisgrandsonofwhomwearetelling。

TheCountasCrusaderhadblazon’dhisfame，Throughmanyatriumphexaltedhisname，Andwhenonhissteedtohisdwellinghecame，Hiscastlestillrear’ditsproudhead，Butservantsandwealthhadallfled。

’Tistruethatthou，Count，hastreturn’dtothyhome，Butmattersarefaringthereill。

Thewindsthroughthechambersatlibertyroam，AndblowthroughthewindowsatwillWhat’sbesttobedoneinacoldautumnnight？

FullmanyI’vepass’dinmorepiteousplight。

Themorneversettlesthematteraright。

Thenquick，whilethemoonshinessoclear，Tobedonthestraw，withoutfear，Andwhilstinasoftpleasingslumberhelay，Amotionhefeels’neathhisbed。

Therat，anhelikesit，mayrattleaway！

Ay，hadhebutcrumbsthereoutspread！

Butlo！thereappearsadiminutivewight，Adwarf’tis，yetgraceful，andbearingalight，Withorator-gesturesthatnoticeinvite，AtthefeetoftheCountonthefloorWhosleepsnot，thoughwearyfullsore。

We’velongbeenaccustom’dtoholdhereourfeast，Sincethoufromthycastlefirstwent。

AndaswebelievedthouwertfarintheEast，Torevele’ennowwewerebent。

Andifthou’ltallowit，andseeknottochide，Wedwarfswillallbanquetwithpleasureandpride，Tohonourthewealthy，thebeautifulbrideSaystheCountwithasmile，half-asleep——

Ye’rewelcomeyourquarterstokeep！

Threeknightsthenadvance，ridingallinagroup，Whounderthebedwereconceal’d。

Andthenisasingingandnoise-makingtroopOfstrangelittlefiguresreveal’d。

Andwaggononwaggonwithallkindsofthings——

Theclattertheycausethroughtheearloudlyrings——

Thelikene’erwasseensaveincastlesofkings。

Atlength，inachariotofgold，Thebrideandthegueststoo，behold！

Thenallatfullgallopmakehastetoadvance，Eachchooseshisplaceinthehall。

Withwhirlingandwaltzing，andlightjoyousdance，Theybeginwiththeirsweetheartstheball。

Thefifeandthefiddleallmerrilysound，Thytwine，andtheyglide，andwithnimblenessbound，Thywhisper，andchatter，and，chatteraround。

TheCountonthescenecastshiseye，Andseemsinafevertolie。

Theyhustle，andbustle，andrattleawayOntable，onbench，andonstool。

ThenallwhohadjoinedinthefestivalgayWiththeirpartnersattempttogrowcool。

Thehamsandthesausagesnimblytheybear，Andmeat，fish，andpoultryinplentyarethere，Surroundedwithwineofthevintagemostrare：

Andwhentheyhaverevell’dfulllong，Theyvanishatlastwithasong。

******

Andifwe’retosingallthatfurtheroccurr’d，Prayceaseyetoblusterandprate。

ForwhathesogladlyinsmallsawandheardHeenjoy’dandhepractis’dingreat。

Fortrumpets，andsinging，andshoutswithoutendOnthebridal-train，chariotsandhorsemenattend，Theycomeandappear，andtheybowandtheybend，Inmerryandcountlessarray。

Thuswasit，thusisitto-day。

1802——

THETREASURE-DIGGER

ALLmywearydaysIpass’dSickatheartandpoorinpurse。

Poverty’sthegreatestcurse，Richesarethehighestgood！

Andtoendmywoesatlast，Treasure-seekingforthIsped。

Thoushalthavemysoulinstead！

ThusIwrote，andwithmyblood。

RingroundringIforthwithdrew，Wondrousflamescollectedthere，Herbsandbonesinorderfair，Tillthecharmhadwork’daright。

Then，tolearnedpreceptstrue，Dugtofindsometreasureold，IntheplacemyartforetoldBlackandstormywasthenight。

Comingo’erthedistantplain，Withtheglimmerofastar，SoonIsawalightafar，Asthehourofmidnightknell’d。

Preparationwasinvain。

SuddenallwaslightedupWiththelustreofacupThatabeauteousboyupheld。

Sweetlyseem’dhisevestolaughNeathhisflow’rychaplet’sload。

Withthedrinkthatbrightlyglow’d，Hethecircleenter’din。

Andhekindlybademequaff：

ThenmethoughtThischildcanne’er，Withhisgiftsobrightandfair，Tothearch-fiendbeakin。

Purelife’scouragedrink！criedhe：

Thisadvicetoprizethenlearn，——

NevertothisplacereturnTrustinginthyspellsabsurd。

Dignolongerfruitlessly。

Guestsbynight，andtoilbyday！

Weekslaborious，feast-daysgay！

Bethyfuturemagic-word！

1797——

THERAT-CATCHER。

IAMthebardknownfarandwide，Thetravell’drat-catcherbeside。

Amanmostneedfultothistown，Sogloriousthroughitsoldrenown。

HowevermanyratsIsee，Howmanyweaselstheremaybe，Icleansetheplacefromev’ryone，Allneedsmusthelter-skelterrun。

SometimesthebardsofullofcheerAsachild-catcherwillappear，Whoe’enthewildestcaptivebrings，Whene’erhisgoldentaleshesings。

Howeverproudeachboyinheart，Howevermuchthemaidensstart，Ibidthechordssweetmusicmake，Andallmustfollowinmywake。

SometimestheskilfulbardyeviewIntheformofmaiden-catchertoo。

Forhenocityenterse’er，Withouteffectingwondersthere。

Howevercoymaybeeachmaid，Howeverthewomenseemafraid，Yetallwilllove-sickbeerelongTosoundofmagicluteandsong。

[DaCapo。]1803。*——

THESPINNER。

AsIcalmlysatandspan，Toilingwithallzeal，Lo！ayoungandhandsomemanPass’dmyspinning-wheel。

Andhepraised，——whatharmwasthere？——

Sweetthethingshesaid——

Praisedmyflax-resemblinghair，Andtheeventhread。

Hewiththiswasnotcontent，Butmustneedsdomore。

Andintwainthethreadwasrent，Though’twassafebefore。

Andtheflax’sstonelikeweightNeededtobetold。

ButnolongerwasitsstateValuedasofold。

WhenItookittotheweaver，SomethingfeltIstart，Andmorequickly，aswithfever，Throbb’dmytremblingheart。

ThenIbearthethreadatlengthThroughtheheat，tobleach。

But，alas，IscarcehavestrengthTothepooltoreach。

WhatIinmylittleroomSpansofineandslight，——

Aswaslikely。Ipresume——

Cameatlasttolight。

1800。*——

BEFOREACOURTOFJUSTICE。

THEfather’snameyene’ershallbetoldOfmydarlingunbornlife。

Shame，shame，yecry，onthestrumpetbold！

YetI’manhonestwife。

TowhomI’mwedded，yene’ershallbetold，Yethe’sbothlovingandfair。

Hewearsonhisneckachainofgold，Andahatofstrawdothhewear。

Ifscorn’tisvaintoseektorepel，Onmeletthescornbethrown。

Iknowhimwell，andheknowsmewell，AndtoGod，too，allisknown。

SirParsonandSirBailiff，again，Iprayyou，leavemeinpeace！

Mychilditis，mychild’twillremain，Soletyourquestioningscease！

1815。*——

THEPAGEANDTHEMILLER’SDAUGHTER。

PAGE。

WHEREgoestthou？Where？

Miller’sdaughtersofair！

Thyname，pray？——

MILLER’SDAUGHTER。

’TisLizzy。

PAGE。

Wheregoestthou？Where？

Withtherakeinthyhand？

MILLER’SDAUGHTER。

Father’smeadowsandlandTovisit，I’mbusy。

PAGE。

Dostgotherealone？

MILLER’SDAUGHTER。

Bythisrake，sir，’tisshownThatwe’remakingthehay。

AndthepearsripenfastInthegardenatlast，SoI’llpickthemto-day。

PAGE。

Is’tasilentthicketIyonderview？

MILLER’SDAUGHTER。

Oh，yes！therearetwo。

There’soneoneachside。

PAGE。

I’llfollowtheesoon。

WhenthesunburnsatnoonWe’llgothere，o’urselvesfromhisraystohide，Andtheninsomegladeall-verdantanddeep——

MILLER’SDAUGHTER。

Why，peoplewouldsay——

PAGE。

Withinminearmsthougentlywiltsleep。

MILLER’SDAUGHTER。

Yourpardon，Ipray！

Whoeveriskiss’dbythemiller-maid，Uponthespotmustneedsbebetray’d。

’TwouldgivemedistressTocoverwithwhiteYourprettydarkdress。

Equalwithequal！thenallisright！

That’sthemottoinwhichIdelight。

Iaminlovewiththemiller-boy。

HewearsnothingthatIcoulddestroy。

1797——

THEYOUTHANDTHEMILLSTREAM。

[ThissweetBallad，andtheoneentitledTheMaidoftheMill’sRepentance，werewrittenontheoccasionofavisitpaidbyGoethetoSwitzerland。TheMaidoftheMill’sTreachery，towhichthelatterformsthesequel，wasnotwrittentillthefollowingyear。]

YOUTH。

SAY，sparklingstreamlet，whitherthouArtgoing！

WithjoyousmienthywatersnowAreflowing。

Whyseekthevalesohastily？

Attendforonce，andanswerme！

MILLSTREAM。

Ohyouth，Iwasabrookindeed。

ButlatelyMybedthey’vedeepen’d，andmyspeedSwell’dgreatly，ThatImayhastetoyondermill。

AndsoI’mfullandneverstill。

YOUTH。

ThemillthouseekestinamoodContented，Andknow’stnothowmyyouthfulblood’Stormented。

Butdoththemiller’sdaughterfairGazeoftenontheekindlythere？

MILLSTREAM。

SheopestheshutterssoonaslightIsgleaming。

AndcomestobatheherfeaturesbrightAndbeaming。

Sofullandsnow-whiteisherbreast，——

Ifeelashotassteamsuppress’d。

YOUTH。

IfsheinwatercaninflameSuchardour，Surely，then，fleshandbloodtotameIsharder。

Whenonceisseenherbeauteousface，Oneeverlongsherstepstotrace。

MILLSTREAM。

OverthewheelI，roaring，bound，All-proudly，Andev’ryspokewhirlsswiftlyround，Andloudly。

SinceIhaveseenthemiller’sdaughter，Withgreatervigourflowsthewater。

YOUTH。

Likeothers，then，cangrief，poorbrook，Oppressthee？

Flowon！——thusshe’ll，withsmilinglook，Addressthee。

Withhersweetlovingglance，ohsay，Canshethyflowingcurrentstay？

MILLSTREAM。

’Tissad，’tissadtohavetospeedFromyonder。

Iwind，andslowlythroughthemeadWouldwander。

Andifthechoiceremain’dwithme，Wouldhastenbacktherepresently。

YOUTH。

Farewell，thouwhowithmedostproveLove’ssadness！

Perchancesomedaythou’ltbreatheofloveAndgladness。

Go，tellherstraight，andoftentoo，Theboy’smutehopesandwishestrue。

1797——

THEMAIDOFTHEMILL’STREACHERY。

[ThisBalladisintroducedintheWanderjahre，inatalecalledTheFoolishPilgrim。]

WHENCEcomesourfriendsohastily，WhenscarcetheEasternskyisgrey？

Hathhejustceased，thoughcolditbe，Inyonderholyspottopray？

Thebrookappearstohemhispath，Wouldhebarefootedo’eritgo？

Whycursehisorisonsinwrath，Acrossthoseheightsbecladwithsnow？

Alas！hiswarmbedhebathleft，Wherehehadlook’dforbliss，Iween。

Andifhiscloaktoo，hadbeenreft，Howfearfulhisdisgracehadbeen！

Byyondervillainsorelypress’d，Hiswalletfromhimhasbeentorn。

Ourhaplessfriendhasbeenundress’d，Leftwellnighnakedaswhenborn。

Thereasonwhyhecamethisroad，Isthathesoughtapairofeyes，Which，atthemill，asbrightlyglow’dAsthosethatareinParadise。

Hewillnotsoonagainbethere。

Fromoutthehousehequicklyhied，Andwhenhegain’dtheopenair，ThusbitterlyandloudlycriedWithinhergaze，sodazzlingbright，NowordoftreacheryIcouldread。

Sheseem’dtoseemewithdelight，Yetplann’de’enthenthiscrueldeed！

CouldI，whenbaskinginhersmile，Dreamofthetreasoninherbreast？

ShebadekindCupidstayawhile，Andhewasthere，tomakeusblest。

Totasteoflove’ssweetecstasyThroughoutthenight，thatendlessseem’d，Andforhermother’shelptocryOnlywhenmorningsunlightbeam’d！

Adozenofherkithandkin，Averyhumanflood，in-press’dHercousinscame，herauntspeer’din，Anduncles，brothers，andtherest。

Thenwhatatumult，fierceandloud！

Eachseem’dabeastofpreytobe。

Themaiden’shonourallthecrowd，Withfearfulshout，demandofme。

Whyshouldthey，madmen-like，beginTofalluponaguiltlessyouth？

Forhewhosuchaprizewouldwin，Farnimblerneedsmustbe，intruth。

ThewaytofollowupwithskillHisfreaks，bylovebetimesisknown：

Hene’erwillleave，withinamill，Sweetflowersforsixteenyearsalone——

Theystolemyclothesaway，——yes，all！

Andtriedmycloakbesidestosteal。

HowstrangethatanyhousesosmallSomanyrascalscouldconceal！

ThenIsprangup，andraved，andswore，Toforceapassagethroughthemthere。

Isawthetreacherousmaidoncemore，Andshewasstill，alas，sofairTheyallgavewaybeforemywrath，Wildoutcriesflewaboutpell-mell。

AtlengthImanagedtorushforth，Withvoiceofthunder，fromthathell。

Asmaidensofthetownwefly，We’llshunyoumaidensofthevillage。

LeaveittothoseofqualityTheirhumbleworshipperstopillage。

Yetifyeareofpractisedskill，Andofalltendertiesafraid，Exchangeyourlovers，ifyewill，Butneverletthembebetray’d。

Thussingsheinthewinter-night，Whilenotabladeofgrasswasgreen。

Ilaugh’dtoseehispiteousplight，Foritwaswell-deserved，Iween。

Andmaythisbethefateofall，Whotreatbydaytheirtruelovesill，And，withfoolhardydaring，crawlBynighttoCupid’streacherousmill！

1798