第6章

RINALDO。*

[ThisCantatawaswrittenforPrinceFrederickofGotha，andsettomusicbyWinter，thePrincesingingthepartofRinaldo——SeetheAnnalen。]

(*SeeTasso’sGerusalemmeLiberata，CantoXVI。)

CHORUS。

Tothestrand！quick，mountthebark！

Ifnofavouringzephyrsblow，Plytheoarandnimblyrow，Andwithzealyourprowessmark！

O’ertheseawethuscareer。

RINALDO。

Oh，letmelingeroneshortmomenthere！

’Tisheaven’sdecree，Imaynothenceaway。

Theruggedcliffs，thewood-encircledbay，Holdmeaprisoner，andmyflightdelay。

Yeweresofair，butnowthatdreamiso’er。

Thecharmsofearth，thecharmsofheavenarenought。

Whatkeepsmeinthisspotsoterror-fraught？

Myonlyjoyisfledforevermore。

Letmetastethosedayssosweet，Heav’n-descended，onceagain！

Heart，dearheart！ay，warmlybeat！

Spirittrue，recallthosedaysFreebornbreaththygentlelaysMingledarewithjoyandpain。

Roundthebeds，sorichlygleaming，Risesupapalacefair。

Allwithrosyfragranceteeming，Asindreamthousaw’stitne’er。

Andthisspaciousgardenround，Farextendthegalleries。

Rosesblossomneartheground，Highinair，too，bloomthetrees。

Wat’ryflakesandjetsarefalling。

Sweetandsilv’rystrainsarise。

Whiletheturtle-doveiscalling，Andthenightingalereplies。

CHORUS。

Gentlycome！feelnoalarm，Onanobledutybent。

Vanish’dnowisev’rycharmThatbymagicpowerwaslent。

FriendlywordsandgreetingscalmOnhiswoundswillpoursoftbalm。

Fillhismindwithsweetcontent。

RINALDO。

Hark！theturtle-doveiscalling，Andthenightingalereplies。

Wat’ryflakesandjetsarefalling，Minglingwiththeirmelodies。

Butallofthemsay：

Heronlywemean。

Butallflyaway，Assoonasshe’sseen，——

Thebeauteousyoungmaiden，Withgracessorife，ThenlilyandroseInwreathsareentwining。

Indancingcombining，EachzephyrthatblowsItsbrotherisgreeting，Allflyingandmeeting，Withbalsamfullladen，Whenwaken’dtolife。

CHORUS。

No！nolongermaywewait。

Rousehimfromhisvisionstraight！

Showtheadamantineshield！

RINALDO。

Woe！whatformisherereveal’d！

CHORUS。

’Twilldisclosethecheattothee。

RINALDO。

AmIdoom’dmyselftoseeThusdegradedevermore？

CHORUS。

Couragetake，andalliso’er。

RINALDO。

Beitso！I’lltakefreshheart，Fromthespotbeloveddepart，LeaveArmidaonceagain，——

Comethen！herenomoreremain。

CHORUS。

Yes，’tiswell！nomoreremain。

SEMI-CHORUS。

Awaythen！let’sflyO’erthezephyr-kiss’docean！

Thesoul-lightedeyeSeesarmiesinmotion，SeeproudbannerswaveO’erthedust-sprinkledcourse。

CHORUS。

FromhisforefathersbraveDrawstheheronewforce。

RINALDO。

Withsorrowladen，Withinthisvalley’sAll-silentalleysThefairestmaidenAgainIsee。

Twicecanthisbe？

What！shallIhearit，AndnothavespiritToeaseherpains？

CHORUS。

Unworthychains？

RINALDO。

AndnowI’veseeher，Alas！howchanged！

Withcolddemeanour。

Andlooksestranged，Withghostlytread，——

Allhopeisfled，Yes，fledforever。

Thelightningsquiver，Eachpalacefalls。

Thegodlikehalls，EachjoyoushourOfspirit-power，Withlove’ssweetdayAllfadeaway！

CHORUS。

Yes，fadeaway！

SEMI-CHORUS。

AlreadyareheardTheprayersofthepious。

Whylongerdenyus？

ThefavouringzephyrForbidsalldelay。

CHORUS。

Away，then！away！

RINALDO。

Withheartsadlystirr’d，YourcommandIreceive。

Yeforcemetoleave。

Unkindisthezephyr，——

Oh，whereforenotstay？

CHORUS。

Away，then！away！

1811——

THEFIRSTWALPURGIS-NIGHT。

ADRUID。

SWEETsmilestheMay！

TheforestgayFromfrostandiceisfreed。

Nosnowisfound，GladsongsresoundAcrosstheverdantmead。

UpontheheightThesnowlieslight，Yetthithernowwego，TheretoextolourFather’sname，Whomweforagesknow。

Amidthesmokeshallgleamtheflame。

Thuspuretheheartwillgrow。

THEDRUIDS。

Amidthesmokeshallgleamtheflame。

ExtolwenowourFather’sname，Whomweforagesknow！

Up，up，then，letusgo！

ONEOFTHEPEOPLE。

Wouldye，then，sorashlyact？

Wouldyeinstantdeathattract？

KnowyenotthecruelthreatsOfthevictorsweobey？

RoundaboutareplacedtheirnetsInthesinfulheathen’sway。

Ah！upontheloftywallWifeandchildrenslaughterthey。

AndweallHastentoacertainfall。

CHORUSOFWOMEN。

Ay，uponthecamp’shighwallAllourchildrenlovedtheyslay。

Ah，whatcruelvictorsthey！

AndweallHastentoacertainfall。

ADRUID。

Whofearsto-dayHisritestopay，Deserveshischainstowear。

Theforest’sfree！

Thiswoodtakewe，Andstraightapileprepare！

YetinthewoodTostay’tisgoodByday，tillallisstill，Withwatchersallaroundusplac’dProtectingyoufromill。

Withcouragefresh，thenletushasteOurdutiestofulfil。

CHORUSOFWATCHERS。

Yevaliantwatchers，nowdivideYournumbersthroughtheforestwide，Andseethatallisstill，Whiletheytheirritesfulfil。

AWATCHER。

Letusinacunningwise，YondullChristianpriestssurpriseWiththedeviloftheirtalkWe’llthoseverypriestsconfound。

Comewithprong，andcomewithfork。

RaiseawildandrattlingsoundThroughthelivelongnight，andprowlAlltherockypassesround。

Screechowl，owl，Joininchoruswithourhowl！

CHORUSOFWATCHERS。

Comewithprong，andcomewithfork，Likethedeviloftheirtalk，Andwithwildlyrattlingsound，Prowlthedesertrocksaround！

Screechowl，owl，Joininchoruswithourhowl！

ADRUID。

Thusfar’tisright。

ThatwebynightOurFather’spraisessing。

Yetwhen’tisday，ToTheewemayAheartunsulliedbring。

’Tistruethatnow，Andoften，ThouFav’restthefoeinfight。

Asfromthesmokeisfreedtheblaze，Soletourfaithburnbright！

Andiftheycrushourgoldenways，Whoe’ercancrushThylight？

ACHRISTIANWATCHER。

Comrades，quick！youraidafford！

Allthebroodofhell’sabroad。

SeehowtheirenchantedformsThroughandthroughwithflamesareglowing！

Dragon-women，men-wolfswarms，Oninquicksuccessiongoing！

Letus，letushastetofly！

Wilderyetthesoundsaregrowing，Andthearchfiendroarsonhigh。

FromthegroundHellishvapoursrisearound。

CHORUSOFCHRISTIANWATCHERS。

Terribleenchantedforms，Dragon-women，men-wolfswarms！

Wilderyetthesoundsaregrowing！

See，thearchfiendcomes，all-glowing！

FromthegroundHellishvapoursrisearound！

CHORUSOFDRUIDS。

Asfromthesmokeisfreedtheblaze，Soletourfaithburnbright！

Andiftheycrushourgoldenways，Whoe’ercancrushThylight？

1799——

ODES——

THESEarethemostsingularofallthePoemsofGoethe，andtomanywillappearsowildandfantastic，astoleaveanythingbutapleasingimpression。Thoseatthebeginning，addressedtohisfriendBehrisch，werewrittenattheageofeighteen，andmostoftheremainderwerecomposedwhilehewasstillquiteyoung。

Despite，however，theextravaganceofsomeofthem，suchastheWinterJourneyovertheHartzMountains，andtheWanderer’sStorm-Song，nothingcanbefinerthanthenobleoneentitledMahomet’sSong，andothers，suchastheSpiritSong’overtheWaters，TheGod-like，and，aboveall，themagnificentsketchofPrometheus，whichformspartofanunfinishedpiecebearingthesamename，andcalledbyGoethea’DramaticFragment。’

TOMYFRIEND。

[ThesethreeOdesareaddressedtoacertainBehrisch，whowastutortoCountLindenau，andofwhomGoethegivesanoddaccountattheendoftheSeventhBookofhisAutobiography。]

FIRSTODE。

TRANSPLANTthebeauteoustree！

Gardener，itgivesmepain。

Ahappierresting-placeItstrunkdeserved。

YetthestrengthofitsnatureToEarth’sexhaustingavarice，ToAir’sdestructiveinroads，Anantidoteopposed。

SeehowitinspringtimeCoinsitspalegreenleaves！

Theirorange-fragrancePoisonseachflyblowstraight。

Thecaterpillar’stoothIsbluntedbythem。

Withsilv’ryhuestheygleamInthebrightsunshine，ItstwigsthemaidenFainwouldtwineinHerbridal-garland。

Youthsitsfruitareseeking。

See，theautumncometh！

ThecaterpillarSighstothecraftyspider，——

Sighsthatthetreewillnotfade。

Hov’ringthitherFromoutheryew-treedwelling，ThegaudyfoeadvancesAgainstthekindlytree，Andcannothurtit，ButthemoreartfuloneDefileswithnauseousvenomItssilverleaves。

AndseeswithtriumphHowthemaidenshudders，Theyouth，howmournshe，Onpassingby。

Transplantthebeauteoustree！

Gardener，itgivesmepain。

Tree，thankthegardenerWhomovestheehence！

1767——

SECONDODE。

THOUgo’st！Imurmur——

Go！letmemurmur。

Oh，worthyman，Flyfromthisland！

Deadlymarshes，SteamingmistsofOctoberHereinterweavetheircurrents，Blendingforever。

NoisomeinsectsHereareengender’d。

FataldarknessVeilstheirmalice。

Thefiery-tonguedserpent，Hardbythesedgybank，Stretcheshispamper’dbody，Caress’dbythesun’sbrightbeams。

Temptnogentlenight-ramblesUnderthemoon’scoldtwilight！

LoathsometoadsholdtheirmeetingsYonderateverycrossway。

Injuringnot，Fearwilltheycausethee。

Oh，worthyman，Flyfromthisland！

1767——

THIRDODE。

BEvoidoffeeling！

Aheartthatsoonisstirr’d，IsapossessionsadUponthischangingearth。

Behrisch，letspring’ssweetsmileNevergladdenthybrow！

Thenwinter’sgloomytempestsNeverwillshadowito’er。

Leanthyselfne’eronamaiden’sSorrow-engenderingbreast。

Ne’eronthearm，Misery-fraught，ofafriend。

AlreadyenvyFromouthisrockyambushUpontheeturnsTheforceofhislynx-likeeyes，Stretcheshistalons，Ontheefalls，InthyshouldersCunninglyplantsthem。

Strongarehisskinnyarms，Aspanther-claws。

Heshakeththee，Andrendsthyframe。

Death’tistopart，’TisthreefolddeathTopart，nothopingEvertomeetagain。

ThouwouldstrejoicetoleaveThishatedlandbehind，Wertthounotchain’dtomeWithfriendshipsflowerychains。

Burstthem！I’llnotrepine。

NonoblefriendWouldstayhisfellow-captive，Ifmeansofflightappear。

TheremembranceOfhisdearfriend’sfreedomGiveshimfreedomInhisdungeon。

Thougo’st，——I’mleft。

Bute’enalreadyThelastyear’swingedspokesWhirlroundthesmokingaxle。

InumbertheturnsOfthethunderingwheel。

ThelastoneIbless——

Eachbarthenisbroken，I’mfreethenasthou！

1767——

MAHOMET’SSONG。

[ThissongwasintendedtobeintroducedinadramaticpoementitledMahomet，theplanofwhichwasnotcarriedoutbyGoethe。HementionsthatitwastohavebeensungbyAlitowardstheendofthepiece，inhonorofhismaster，Mahomet，shortlybeforehisdeath，andwhenattheheightofhisglory，ofwhichitistypical。]

SEEtherock-bornstream！

LikethegleamOfastarsobrightKindlyspiritsHighabovethecloudsNourishedhimwhileyouthfulInthecopsebetweenthecliffs。

Youngandfresh。

FromthecloudshedancethDownuponthemarblerocks。

Thentow’rdheavenLeapsexulting。

Throughthemountain-passesChasethhethecolour’dpebbles，And，advancinglikeachief，TearshisbrotherstreamletswithhimInhiscourse。

Inthevalleydownbelow’Neathhisfootstepsspringtheflowers，AndthemeadowInhisbreathfindslife。

Yetnoshadyvalecanstayhim，Norcanflowers，Roundhiskneesall-softlytwiningWiththeirlovingeyesdetainhim。

Totheplainhiscoursehetaketh，Serpent-winding，SocialstreamletsJoinhiswaters。AndnowmovesheO’ertheplaininsilv’ryglory，Andtheplaininhimexults，Andtheriversfromtheplain，Andthestreamletsfromthemountain，Shoutwithjoy，exclaiming：Brother，Brother，takethybrethrenwiththee，Withtheetothineagedfather，Totheeverlastingocean，Who，witharmsoutstretchingfar，Waitethforus。

Ah，invainthosearmslieopenToembracehisyearningchildren。

ForthethirstysandconsumesusInthedesertwaste。thesunbeamsDrinkourlife-blood。hillsaroundusIntolakeswoulddamus！Brother，Takethybrethrenoftheplain，TakethybrethrenofthemountainWiththee，tothyfather’sarms！

Letallcome，then！——

AndnowswellsheLordlierstill。yea，e’enapeopleBearshisregalfloodonhigh！

Andintriumphonwardrolling，Namestocountriesgiveshe，——citiesSpringtolightbeneathhisfoot。

Ever，ever，onherushes，Leavesthetowers’flame-tipp’dsummits，Marblepalaces，theoffspringOfhisfullness，farbehind。

Cedar-housesbearstheAtlasOnhisgiantshoulders。flutt’ringInthebreezefar，farabovehimThousandflagsaregailyfloating，Bearingwitnesstohismight。

Andsobearethhehisbrethren，Allhistreasures，allhischildren，Wildlyshouting，tothebosomOfhislong-expectantsire。

1774——

SPIRITSONGOVERTHEWATERS。

THEsoulofmanResemblethwater：

Fromheavenitcometh，Toheavenitsoareth。

AndthenagainToearthdescendeth，Changingever。

DownfromtheloftyRockywallStreamsthebrightflood，ThenspreadethgentlyIncloudybillowsO’erthesmoothrock，Andwelcomedkindly，Veiling，onroamsit，Softmurmuring，Tow’rdtheabyss。

CliffsprojectingOpposeitsprogress，——

AngrilyfoamsitDowntothebottom，Stepbystep。

Now，inflatchannel，Throughthemeadowlandstealsit，Andinthepolish’dlakeEachconstellationJoyouslypeepeth。

WindisthelovingWooerofwaters。

WindblendstogetherBillowsall-foaming。

Spiritofman，Thouartlikeuntowater！

Fortuneofman，Thouartlikeuntowind！

1789。*——

MYGODDESS。

SAY，whichImmortalMeritsthehighestreward？

WithnonecontendI，ButIwillgiveitTotheaye-changing，Ever-movingWondrousdaughterofJove。

Hisbest-belovedoffspring。

SweetPhantasy。

ForuntoherHathhegrantedAllthefancieswhicherstTononeallow’dheSavinghimself。

NowhetakeshispleasureInthemadone。

Shemay，crownedwithroses，Withstafftwinedroundwithlilies，Roamthro’flow’ryvalleys，Rulethebutterfly-people，Andsoft-nourishingdewWithbee-likelipsDrinkfromtheblossom：

OrelseshemayWithflutteringhairAndgloomylooksSighinthewindRoundrockycliffs，Andthousand-hued。

Likemornandeven。

Everchanging，Likemoonbeam’slight，Tomortalsappear。

Letusall，then，AdoretheFather！

Theold，themighty，WhosuchabeauteousNe’er-fadingspouseDeignstoaccordToperishingmortals！

TousaloneDothheuniteher，Withheavenlybonds，Whilehecommandsher，injoyandsorrow，AsatruespouseNevertoflyus。

AlltheremainingRacessopoorOflife-teemingearth。

Inchildrensorich。

WanderandfeedInvacantenjoyment，And’midthedarksorrowsOfevanescentRestrictedlife，——

Bow’dbytheheavyYokeofNecessity。

ButuntousheHathhismostversatile，MostcherisheddaughterGranted，——whatjoy！

LovinglygreetherAsabelovedone！

Giveherthewoman’sPlaceinourhome！

Andoh，maytheagedStepmotherWisdomHergentlespiritNe’erseektoharm！

YetknowIhersister，Theolder，sedater，Mineownsilentfriend。

Oh，mayshenever，Tilllife’slampisquench’d，Turnawayfromme，——

Thatnobleinciter，Comforter，——Hope！

1781——

WINTERJOURNEYOVERTHEHARTZMOUNTAINS。

[Thefollowingexplanationisnecessary，inordertomakethisodeinanywayintelligible。ThePoetissupposedtoleavehiscompanions，whoareproceedingonahuntingexpeditioninwinter，inorderhimselftopayavisittoahypochondriacalfriend，andalsotoseetheminingintheHartzmountains。Theodealternatelydescribes，inaveryfragmentaryandpeculiarmanner，thenaturallyhappydispositionofthePoethimselfandtheunhappinessofhisfriend。itpicturesthewildnessoftheroadandthedrearinessoftheprospect，whichisrelievedatonespotbythedistantsightofatown，averyvagueallusiontowhichismadeinthethirdstrophe。itrecallsthehuntingpartyonwhichhiscompanionshavegone。andafteranaddresstoLove，concludesbyacontrastbetweentheunexploredrecessesofthehighestpeakoftheHartzandthemetalliferousveinsofitssmallerbrethren。]

LIKEthevultureWhoonheavymorningcloudsWithgentlewingreposingLooksforhisprey，——

Hover，mysong！

ForaGodhathUntoeachprescribedHisdestinedpath，WhichthehappyoneRunso’erswiftlyTohisgladgoal：

HewhoseheartcruelFatehathcontracted，StrugglesbutvainlyAgainstallthebarriersThebrazenthreadraises，ButwhichtheharshshearsMustonedaysever。

ThroughgloomythicketsPresseththewilddeeron，AndwiththesparrowsLonghavethewealthySettledthemselvesinthemarsh。

Easy’tisfollowingthechariotThatbyFortuneisdriven，LikethebaggagethatmovesOverwell-mendedhighwaysAfterthetrainofaprince。

Butwhostandsthereapart？

Inthethicket，lostishispath。

BehindhimthebushesAreclosingtogether，Thegrassspringsupagain，Thedesertengulphshim。

Ah，who’llhealhisafflictions，Towhombalsamwaspoison，Who，fromlove’sfullness，Drankinmisanthropyonly？

Firstdespised，andnowadespiser，He，insecret，wastethAllthatheisworth，Inaselfishnessvain。

Iftherebe，onthypsaltery，FatherofLove，butonetoneThattohisearmaybepleasing，Oh，then，quickenhisheart！

Clearhiscloud-envelopedeyesOverthethousandfountainsClosebythethirstyoneInthedesert。

Thouwhocreatestmuchjoy，Foreachameasureo’erflowing，BlessthesonsofthechaseWhenonthetrackoftheprey，Withawildthirstingforblood，YouthfulandjoyousAvenginglatetheinjusticeWhichthepeasantresistedVainlyforyearswithhisstaff。

ButthelonelyoneveilWithinthygoldclouds！

Surroundwithwinter-green，Untiltherosesbloomagain，Thehumidlocks，OhLove，ofthyminstrel！

WiththyglimmeringtorchLightestthouhimThroughthefordswhen’tisnight，OverbottomlessplacesOndesert-likeplains。

WiththethousandcoloursofmorningGladd’nesthisbosom。

Withthefierce-bitingstormBearesthimproudlyonhigh。

Wintertorrentsrushfromthecliffs，——

Blendwithhispsalms。

AnaltarofgratefuldelightHefindsinthemuch-dreadedmountain’sSnow-begirdedsummit，WhichforebodingnationsCrown’dwithspirit-dances。

Thoustand’stwithbreastinscrutable，Mysteriouslydisclosed，Higho’erthewonderingworld，Andlook’stfromcloudsUponitsrealmsanditsmajesty，WhichthoufromtheveinsofthybrethrenNeartheedostwater。

1777——

TOFATHER*KRONOS。

[writteninapost-chaise。]

(*Intheoriginal，Schwager，whichhasthetwofoldmeaningofbrother-in-lawandpostilion。)

HASTENthee，Kronos！

OnwithclatteringtrotDownhillgoeththypath。

Loathsomedizzinessever，Whenthoudelayest，assailsme。

Quick，rattlealong，OverstockandstoneletthytrotIntolifestraightwayleadNowoncemoreUpthetoilsomeascentHasten，pantingforbreath！

Up，then，noridlebe，——

Strivingandhoping，up，up！

Wide，high，glorioustheviewGazingrounduponlife，WhilefrommountuntomountHoversthespiriteterne，Lifeeternalforeboding。

Sidewaysaroof’spleasantshadeAttractsthee，AndalookthatpromisescoolnessOnthemaidenlythreshold。

Thererefreshthee！And，maiden，Givemethisfoamingdraughtalso，Givemethishealth-ladenlook！

Down，now！quickerstill，down！

SeewherethesunsetsErehesets，ereoldageSeizethmeinthemorass，Eremytoothlessjawsmumble，Andmyuselesslimbstotter。

WhiledrunkwithhisfarewellbeamHurlme，——afieryseaFoamingstillinmineeye，——

Hurlme，whiledazzledandreeling，Downtothegloomyportalofhell。

Blow，then，gossip，thyhorn，Speedonwithechoingtrot，SothatOrcusmayknowwearecoming。

SothatourhostmaywithjoyWaitatthedoortoreceiveus。

1774——

THEWANDERER’SSTORM-SONG。

[Goethesaysofthisode，thatitistheonlyoneremainingoutofseveralstrangehymnsanddithyrambscomposedbyhimataperiodofgreatunhappiness，whenthelove-affairbetweenhimandFredericahadbeenbrokenoffbyhim。Heusedtosingthemwhilewanderingwildlyaboutthecountry。Thisparticularonewascausedbyhisbeingcaughtinatremendousstormononeoftheseoccasions。Hecallsitahalf-crazypiece(halkunsinn)，andthereaderwillprobablyagreewithhim。]

Hewhomthoune’erleavest，Genius，FeelsnodreadwithinhisheartAtthetempestortherain。

Hewhomthoune’erleavest，Genius，Willtotherain-clouds，Willtothehailstorm，SinginreplyAsthelarksings，Ohthouonhigh！

Himwhomthoune’erleavest，Genius，Thouwiltraiseabovethemud-trackWiththyfierypinions。

Hewillwander，As，withfloweryfeet，OverDeucalion’sdarkflood，Python-slaying，light，glorious，PythiusApollo。

Himwhomthoune’erleavest，Genius，ThouwiltplaceuponthyfleecypinionWhenhesleepethontherock，——

ThouwiltshelterwiththyguardianwingIntheforest’smidnighthour。

Himwhomthoune’erleavest，Genius，ThouwiltwrapupwarmlyInthesnow-drift。

Tow’rdthewarmthapproachtheMuses，Tow’rdthewarmthapproachtheGraces。

YeMuses，hoverroundme！

YeGracesalso！

Thatiswater，thatisearth，AndthesonofwaterandofearthOverwhichIwander，Likethegods。

Yearepure，liketheheartofthewater，Yearepurelikethemarrowofearth，Hov’ringroundme，whileIhoverOverwater，o’ertheearthLikethegods。

Shallhe，then，return，Thesmall，thedark，thefierypeasant？

Shallhe，then，return，waitingOnlythygifts，ohFatherBromius，Andbrightlygleaming，warmth-spreadingfire？

Returnwithjoy？

AndI，whomyeattended，YeMusesandyeGraces，Whomallawaitsthatye，YeMusesandyeGraces，OfcirclingblissinlifeHaveglorified——shallI

Returndejected？

FatherBromius！

ThourttheGenius，Geniusofages，Thou’rtwhatinwardglowToPindarwas，WhattotheworldPhoebusApollo。

Woe！WoeInwardwarmth，Spirit-warmth，Central-point！

Glow，andviewithPhoebusApollo！

ColdlysoonHisregallookOvertheewillswiftlyglide，——

Envy-struckLingero’erthecedar’sstrength，Which，toflourish，Waitshimnot。

Whydothmylaynametheethelast？

Thee，fromwhomitbegan，Thee，inwhomitendeth，Thee，fromwhomitflows，JupiterPluvius！

Tow’rdtheestreamsmysong。

AndaCastalianspringRunsasafellow-brook，Runstotheidleones，Mortal，happyones，Apartfromthee，Whocov’restmearound，JupiterPluvius！

Notbytheelm-treeHimdidstthouvisit，WiththepairofdovesHeldinhisgentlearm，——

Withthebeauteousgarlandofroses，——

Caressinghim，soblestinhisflowers，Anacreon，Storm-breathinggodhead！

Notinthepoplargrove，NeartheSybaris’strand，Notonthemountain’sSun-illuminedbrowDidstthouseizehim，Theflower-singing，Honey-breathing，SweetlynoddingTheocritus。

Whenthewheelswererattling，Wheelonwheeltow’rdthegoal，HigharoseThesoundofthelashOfyouthswithvictoryglowing，Inthedustrolling，AsfromthemountainfallShowersofstonesinthevale——

Thenthysoulwasbrightlyglowing，Pindar——

Glowing？Poorheart！

There，onthehill，——

Heavenlymight！

ButenoughglowThithertowend，Whereismycot！

1771——

THESEA-VOYAGE。

MANYadayandnightmybarkstoodreadyladen。

Waitingfav’ringwinds，Isatwithtruefriendsroundme，Pledgingmetopatienceandtocourage，Inthehaven。

Andtheyspokethuswithimpatiencetwofold：

Gladlyprayweforthyrapidpassage，Gladlyforthyhappyvoyage。fortuneInthedistantworldiswaitingforthee，Inourarmsthoultfindthyprize，andlovetoo，Whenreturning。

Andwhenmorningcame，aroseanuproar，Andthesailors’joyousshoutsawokeus。

Allwasstirring，allwasliving，moving，Bentonsailingwiththefirstkindzephyr。

Andthesailssooninthebreezeareswelling，Andthesunwithfieryloveinvitesus。

Fill’dthesailsare，cloudsonhigharefloating，OntheshoreeachfriendexultingraisesSongsofhope，ingiddyjoyexpectingJoythevoyagethrough，asonthemornofsailing，Andtheearlieststarrynightssoradiant。

ButbyGod-sentchangingwindserelonghe’sdrivenSidewaysfromthecoursehehadintended，Andhefeignsasthoughhewouldsurrender，Whilehegentlystrivethtooutwitthem，Tohisgoal，e’enwhenthuspress’d，stillfaithful。

Butfromoutthedampgreydistancerising，Softlynowthestormproclaimsitsadvent，Pressethdowneachbirduponthewaters，Pressethdownthethrobbingheartsofmortals。

Anditcometh。Atitsstubbornfury，Wiselyev’rysailtheseamanstriketh。

Withtheanguish-ladenballaresportingWindandwater。

Andonyondershorearegather’dstanding，Friendsandlovers，tremblingfortheboldone：

Why，alas，remain’dheherenotwithus！

Ah，thetempest！Castawaybyfortune！

Mustthegoodoneperishinthisfashion？

Mightnotheperchance……Yegreatimmortals！

Yethe，likeaman，standsbyhisrudder。

Withthebarkaresportingwindandwater，Windandwatersportnotwithhisbosom：

Onthefiercedeeplookshe，asamaster，——

Inhisgods，orshipwreck’d，orsafelanded，Trustingever。

1776——

THEEAGLEANDDOVE。

INsearchofpreyonceraisedhispinionsAneaglet。

Ahuntsman’sarrowcame，andreftHisrightwingofallmotivepower。

Headlonghefellintoamyrtlegrove，Forthreelongdaysonanguishfed，IntormentwrithedThroughoutthreelong，threewearynights。

Andthenwascured，Thankstoall-healingNature’sSoft，omnipresentbalm。

Hecreptawayfromoutthecopse，Andstretch’dhiswing——alas！

Lostisallpowerofflight——

HescarcecanlifthimselfFromoffthegroundTocatchsomemean，unworthyprey，Andrests，deep-sorrowing，Onthelowrockbesidethestream。

Uptotheoakhelooks，Looksuptoheaven，Whileinhisnobleeyetheregleamsatear。

Then，rustlingthroughthemyrtleboughs，behold，Therecomesawantonpairofdoves，Whosettledown，and，nodding，strutO’erthegoldsandsbesidethestream，Andgraduallyapproach。

Theirred-tingedeyes，sofulloflove，Soonseetheinward-sorrowingone。

Themale，inquisitivelysocial，leapsOnthenextbush，andlooksUponhimkindlyandcomplacently。

Thousorrowest，murmurshe：

Beofgoodcheer，myfriend！

AllthatisneededforcalmhappinessHastthounothere？

HastthounotpleasureinthegoldenboughThatshieldstheefromtheday’sfierceglow？

Canstthounotraisethybreasttocatch，Onthesoftmossbesidethebrook，Thesun’slastraysateven？

Herethoumaystwanderthroughtheflowers’freshdew，PluckfromtheoverflowTheforest-treesprovide，Thychoicestfood，——maystquenchThylightthirstatthesilveryspring。

Ohfriend，truehappinessLiesincontentedness，AndthatcontentednessFindseverywhereenough。

Oh，wiseone！saidtheeagle，whilehesankIndeepandeverdeep’ningthought——

OhWisdom！likeadovethouspeakest！

1774。*——

PROMETHEUS。

COVERthyspaciousheavens，Zeus，Withcloudsofmist，And，liketheboywholopsThethistles’heads，Disportwithoaksandmountain-peaks，YetthoumustleaveMyearthstillstanding。

Mycottagetoo，whichwasnotraisedbythee。

Leavememyhearth，WhosekindlyglowBytheeisenvied。

IknownoughtpoorerUnderthesun，thanyegods！

Yenourishpainfully，WithsacrificesAndvotiveprayers，Yourmajesty：

Yewoulde’enstarve，IfchildrenandbeggarsWerenottrustingfools。

WhileyetachildAndignorantoflife，IturnedmywanderinggazeUptow’rdthesun，asifwithhimTherewereaneartohearmywailings，Aheart，likemine，Tofeelcompassionfordistress。

Whohelp’dmeAgainsttheTitans’insolence？

Whorescuedmefromcertaindeath，Fromslavery？

Didstthounotdoallthisthyself，Mysacredglowingheart？

Andglowedst，youngandgood，DeceivedwithgratefulthanksToyonderslumberingone？

Ihonourthee！andwhy？

Hastthoue’erlighten’dthesorrowsOftheheavyladen？

Hastthoue’erdriedupthetearsOftheanguish-stricken？

WasInotfashion’dtobeamanByomnipotentTime，AndbyeternalFate，Mastersofmeandthee？

Didstthoue’erfancyThatlifeIshouldlearntohate，Andflytodeserts，BecausenotallMyblossomingdreamsgrewripe？

HeresitI，formingmortalsAftermyimage。

Araceresemblingme，Tosuffer，toweep，Toenjoy，tobeglad，Andtheetoscorn，AsI！

1773——

GANYMEDE。

How，inthelightofmorning，Roundmethouglowest，Spring，thoubelovedone！

Withthousand-varyinglovingblissThesacredemotionsBornofthywarmtheternalPress’gainstmybosom，Thouendlesslyfairone！

CouldIbutholdtheeclasp’dWithinminearms！

Ah！uponthybosomLayI，pining，Andthenthyflowers，thygrass，Werepressingagainstmyheart。

ThoucoolesttheburningThirstofmybosom，Beauteousmorningbreeze！

ThenightingalethencallsmeSweetlyfromoutofthemistyvale。

Icome，Icome！

Whither？Ah，whither？

Up，up，liesmycourse。

WhiledownwardthecloudsArehovering，thecloudsArebendingtomeetyearninglove。

Forme，WithinthinearmsUpwards！

Embracedandembracing！

Upwardsintothybosom，OhFatherall-loving！

1789。*——

THEBOUNDARIESOFHUMANITY。

WHENtheprimevalAll-holyFatherSowswithatranquilhandFromclouds，astheyroll，Bliss-spreadinglightningsOvertheearth，ThendoIkissthelastHemofhisgarment，WhilebyachildlikeaweFiil’dismybreast。

ForwithimmortalsNe’ermayamortalMeasurehimself。

IfhesoarupwardsAndifhetouchWithhisforeheadthestars，NowherewillrestthenHisinsecurefeet，AndwithhimsportTempestandcloud。

ThoughwithfirmsinewyLimbshemaystandOntheenduringWell-groundedearth，AllheiseverAbletodo，IstoresembleTheoakorthevine。

WhereindogodsDifferfrommortals？

InthattheformerSeeendlessbillowsHeavingbeforethem。

UsdoththebillowLiftupandswallow，Sothatweperish。

SmallistheringEnclosingourlife，AndwholegenerationsLinkthemselvesfirmlyOntoexistence’sChainnever-ending。

1789。*——

THEGODLIKE。

NOBLEbeman，Helpfulandgood！

ForthataloneDistinguishethhimFromallthebeingsUntousknown。

Hailtothebeings，Unknownandglorious，Whomweforebode！

FromhisexampleLearnwetoknowthem！

ForunfeelingNatureisever：

OnbadandongoodThesunalikeshineth。

Andonthewicked，Asonthebest，Themoonandstarsgleam。

Tempestandtorrent，Thunderandhail，Roarontheirpath，Seizingthewhile，Astheyhasteonward，Oneafteranother。

Evenso，fortuneGropes’midthethrong——

Innocentboyhood’sCurlyheadseizing，——

SeizingthehoaryHeadofthesinner。

Afterlawsmighty，Brazen，eternal，MustallwemortalsFinishthecircuitOfourexistence。

Man，andmanonlyCandotheimpossible。

He’tisdistinguisheth，Choosethandjudgeth。

HetothemomentEndurancecanlend。

HeandheonlyThegoodcanreward，Thebadcanhepunish，Canhealandcansave。

AllthatwandersandstraysCanusefullyblend。

AndwepayhomageTotheimmortalsAsthoughtheyweremen，Anddidinthegreat，Whatthebest，inthesmall，Doesormightdo。

Bethemanthatisnoble，Bothhelpfulandgood。

UnweariedlyformingTherightandtheuseful，AtypeofthosebeingsOurmindhathforeshadow’d！

1782——

MISCELLANEOUSPOEMS——

inthewaresbeforeyouspread，Typesofallthingsmayberead——

THEGERMANPARNASSUS。

’NEATHtheshadowOfthesebushes，OnthemeadowWherethecoolingwatergushes。

Phoebusgaveme，whenaboy，Alllife’sfullnesstoenjoy。

So，insilence，astheGodBadethemwithhissov’reignnod，SacredMusestrain’dmydaysTohispraise——

Withthebrightandsilv’ryfloodOfParnassusstirr’dmyblood，AndthesealsopureandchasteBythemonmylipswasplaced。

Withhermodestpinions，see，Philomelencirclesme！

Inthesebushes，inyongrove，Callsshetohersister-throng，AndtheirheavenlychoralsongTeachesmetodreamoflove。

FullnesswaxesinmybreastOfemotionssocial，blest。

Friendship’snurtured膌oveawakes，——

AndthesilencePhoebusbreaksOfhismountains，ofhisvales，Sweetlyblowthebalmygales。

Allforwhomheshowsaffection，Whoareworthyhisprotection，Gladlyfollowhisdirection。

ThisonecomeswithjoyousbearingAndwithopen，radiantgaze。

Thatasternerlookiswearing，Thisone，scarcelycured，withdaringWakesthestrengthofformerdays。

Forthesweet，destructiveflamePiercedhismarrowandhisframe。

ThatwhichAmorstolebeforePhoebusonlycanrestore，Peace，andjoy，andharmony，Aspirationspureandfree。

Brethren，riseye！

Numbersprizeye！

Deedsofworthresemblethey。

WhocanbetterthanthebardGuideafriendwhengoneastray？

Ifhisdutyheregard，Morehe’lldo，thanothersmay。

Yes！afarIhearthemsing！

Yes！Ihearthemtouchthestring，AndwithmightygodlikestrokeRightanddutytheyinspire，Andevoke，Astheysing，andwakethelyre，Tendenciesofnoblestworth，Toeachtypeofstrengthgivebirth。

PhantasiesofsweetestpowerFlowerRoundaboutonev’rybough，BendingnowLikethemagicwoodofold，’Neaththefruitthatgleamslikegold。

WhatwefeelandwhatweviewInthelandofhighestbliss，——

Thisdearsoil，asunlikethis，——

Luresthebestofwomentoo。

AndtheMuses’breathingsblestRousethemaiden’sgentlebreast，Tunethethroattominstrelsy，Andwithcheeksofbeauteousdye，Biditsingaworthysong，Sitthesister-bandamong。

Andtheirstrainsgrowsofterstill，Astheyviewithearnestwill。

OneamongstthebandbetimesGoestowanderBythebeeches，’neaththelimes，Yonderseeking，findingyonderThatwhichinthemorning-groveShehadlostthroughroguishLove，Allherbreast’sfirstaspirations，Andherheart’scalmmeditations，TotheshadywoodsofairGentlystealing，Takesshethatwhichmancanne’erDulymerit，——eachsoftfeeling，——

DisregardsthenoontiderayAndthedewatcloseofday，？

Intheplainherpathsheloses。

Ne’erdisturbheronherway！

Seekhersilently，yeMusesShoutsIhear，whereinthesoundOfthewaterfallisdrown’d。

Fromthegroveloudclamoursrise，Strangethetumult，strangethecries。

SeeIrightly？Canitbe？

Totheverysanctuary，Lo，animpioustroopin-hies！

O’erthelandStreamstheband。

Hotdesire，Drunken-fireIntheirgazeWildlyplays，——

MakestheirhairBristlethere。

Andthetroop，Withfellswoop，Women，men，Comingthen，PlytheirblowsAndexpose，Voidofshame，Alltheframe。

Ironshot，Fierceandhot，StrikewithfearOntheear。

AlltheyslayOntheirway。

O’erthelandPourstheband。

AlltakeflightAttheirsight。

Ah，o’erev’ryplanttheyrush！

Ah，theircruelfootstepscrushAlltheflowersthatfilltheirpath！

Whowilldaretostemtheirwrath？

Brethren，letusventureall！

Virtueinyourpurecheekglows。

PhoebuswillattendourcallWhenheseesourheavywoes。

AndthatwemayhavearightWeaponssuitedtothefight，Hethemountainshakethnow——

FromitsbrowRattlingdownStoneonstoneThroughthethicketspreadappear。

Brethren，seizethem！Whereforefear？

Nowthevillaincrewassail，Asthoughwithastormofhail，AndexpelthestrangerswildFromtheseregionssoftandmildWherethesunhaseversmil’d！

WhatstrangewonderdoIsee？

Canitbe？

Allmylimbsofpowerarereft。

Andallstrengthmyhandhasleft。

Canithe？

NonearestrangersthatIsee！

Andourbrethren’tiswhogoOnbefore，thewaytoshow！

Oh，therecklessimpiousones！

Howthey，withtheirjarringtones，Beatthetime，asontheyhie！

Quick，mybrethren！——letusfly！

Totherashones，yetaword！

Ay，myvoiceshallnowbeheard，Asapealofthunder，strong！

Wordsaspoets’armsweremade，——

Whenthegodwillheobey’d，Followfasthisdartserelong。

WasitpossiblethatyeThusyourgodlikedignityShouldforget？TheThyrsusrudeMustaheavyburdenfeelTothehandbutwonttostealO’erthelyreingentlemood。

Fromthesparklingwaterfalls，Fromthebrookthatpurlingcalls，ShallSilenus’loathsomebeastBeallow’datwilltofeast？

Aganippe’s*wavehesipsWithprofaneandspreadinglips，——

Withungainlyfeetstampsmadly，Tillthewatersflowonsadly。

FainI’dthinkmyselfdeludedInthesadd’ningsoundsIhear。

FromtheholygladessecludedHatefultonesassailtheear。

Laughterwild(exchangehowmournful！)

Takestheplaceoflove’ssweetdream。

Women-hatersandthescornfulInexultingchorusscream。

NightingaleandturtledoveFlytheirnestssowarmandchaste，And，inflamedwithsensuallove，HoldstheFauntheNymphembrac’d。

Hereagarment’stornaway，Scoffssucceedtheirsatedbliss，Whilethegod，withangryray，Looksuponeachimpiouskiss。

Vapour，smoke，asfromafire，AndadvancingcloudsIview。

Chordsnotonlygracethelyre，Forthebowitschordsbathtoo。

Eventheadorer’sheartDreadsthewildadvancinghand，FortheflamesthatroundthemdartShowthefiercedestroyer’shand。

OhneglectnotwhatIsay，ForIspeakitlovingly！

Fromourboundarieshasteaway，Fromthegod’sdreadangerfly！

Cleanseoncemoretheholyplace，Turnthesavagetrainaside！

EarthcontainsuponitsfaceManyaspotunsanctified。

Hereweonlyprizethegood。

Starsunsulliedroundusburn。

Ifye，inrepentantmood，Fromyourwanderingswouldreturn，——

IfyefailtofindtheblissThatyefoundwithusofyore，——

OrwhenlawlessmirthlikethisGivesyourheartsdelightnomore，——

Thenreturninpilgrimguise，Gladlyupthemountaingo，Whileyourstrainsrepentantrise，Andourbrethren’sadventshow。

Letanew-bornwreathentwineSolemnlyyourtemplesround。

RaptureglowsinheartsdivineWhenalong-lostsinner’sfound。

Swiftere’enthanLathe’sfloodRoundDeath’ssilenthousecanplay，Ev’ryerrorofthegoodWilllove’schalicewashaway。

Allwillhasteyourstepstomeet，Asyecomeinmajesty，——

Menyourblessingwillentreat——

Oursyethuswilldoublybe！

1798。

(*Aganippe——AspringinBoeotia，whicharoseoutofMountHelicon，andwassacredtoApolloandtheMuses。)