第9章

THEDROPSOFNECTAR。

WHENMinerva，togivepleasureToPrometheus，herwell-lovedone，BroughtabrimmingbowlofnectarFromthegloriousrealmsofheavenAsablessingforhiscreatures，AndtopourintotheirbosomsImpulsesforartsennobling，Shewithrapidfootstephasten’d，FearingJupitermightseeher，Andthegoldengoblettrembled，AndtherefellafewdropsfromitOntheverdantplainbeneathher。

ThenthebusybeesflewthitherStraightway，eagerlytodrinkthem，AndthebutterflycamequicklyThathe，too，mightfindadropthere。

EventhemisshapenspiderThithercrawl’dandsuck’dwithvigour。

Toahappyendtheytasted，They，andothergentleinsects！

ForwithmortalsnowdividetheyArt膖hatnoblestgiftofall。

1789。*——

THEWANDERER。

[PublishedintheGottingenMusenAlmanach，havingbeenwrittentoexpresshisfeelingsandcapricesafterhisseparationfromFrederica。]

WANDERER。

YOUNGwoman，mayGodblessthee，Thee，andthesuckinginfantUponthybreast！

Letme，’gainstthisrockywall，Neaththeelm-tree’sshadow，Layasidemyburden，Neartheetakemyrest。

WOMAN。

Whatvocationleadsthee，Whilethedayisburning，Upthisdustypath？

Bring’stthougoodsfromoutthetownRoundthecountry？

Smil’stthou，stranger，Atmyquestion？

WANDERER。

FromthetownnogoodsIbring。

Coolisnowtheevening。

Showtomethefountain’Whencethoudrinkest，Womanyoungandkind！

WOMAN。

Uptherockypathwaymount。

Gothoufirst！AcrossthethicketLeadsthepathwaytow’rdthecottageThatIlivein，TothefountainWhenceIdrink。

WANDERER。

Signsofman’sarranginghandSeeI’midthetrees！

Notbytheethesestoneswerejoin’d，Nature，whosofreelyscatterest！

WOMAN。

Up，stillup！

WANDERER。

Lo，amossyarchitraveishere！

Idiscernthee，fashioningspirit！

Onthestonethouhastimpress’dthyseal。

WOMAN。

Onward，stranger！

WANDERER。

OveraninscriptionamItreading！

’Tiseffaced！

Yeareseennolonger，Wordssodeeplygraven，Whoyourmaster’struedevotionShouldhaveshowntothousandgrandsons！

WOMAN。

Atthesestones，whyStart’stthou，stranger？

ManystonesarelyingyonderRoundmycottage。

WANDERER。

Yonder？

WOMAN。

Throughthethicket，Turningtotheleft，Here！

WANDERER。

YeMusesandyeGraces！

WOMAN。

This，then，ismycottage。

WANDERER。

’Tisaruin’dtemple！*

WOMAN。

Justbelowit，see，SpringsthefountainWhenceIdrink。

WANDERER。

ThoudosthoverO’erthygrave，allglowing，Genius！whileupontheeHaththymaster-pieceFallencrumbling，ThouImmortalOne！

WOMAN。

Stay，acupI’llfetchtheeWhencetodrink。

WANDERER。

IvycirclesthyslenderFormsogracefulandgodlike。

HowyeriseonhighFromtheruins，Column-pairAndthou，theirlonelysisteryonder，——

Howthou，Duskymossuponthysacredhead，——

LookestdowninmournfulmajestyOnthybrethren’sfiguresLyingscatter’dAtthyfeet！

IntheshadowofthebrambleEarthandrubbishveilthem，Loftygrassiswavingo’erthemIsitthusthou，Nature，prizestThygreatmasterpiece’smasterpiece？

CarelesslydestroyestthouThineownsanctuary，Sowingthistlesthere？

WOMAN。

Howtheinfantsleeps！

Wiltthouresttheeinthecottage，Stranger？WouldstthouratherIntheopenairstilllinger？

Now’tiscool！takethouthechildWhileIgoanddrawsomewater。

Sleepon，darling！sleep！

WANDERER。

Sweetisthyrepose！

How，withheaven-bornhealthimbued，Peacefullyheslumbers！

Ohthou，bornamongtheruinsSpreadbygreatantiquity，Ontheerestherspirit！

HewhomitencirclesWill，ingodlikeconsciousness，Ev’rydayenjoy。

Full，ofgerm，unfold，Asthesmilingspringtime’sFairestcharm，Outshiningallthyfellows！

Andwhentheblossom’shuskisfaded，MaythefullfruitshootforthFromoutthybreast，Andripeninthesunshine！

WOMAN。

Godblesshim！——Ishesleepingstill？

TothefreshdraughtInoughtcanadd，Savingacrustofbreadfortheetoeat。

WANDERER。

Ithanktheewell。

Howfairtheverdureallaround！

Howgreen！

WOMAN。

MyhusbandsoonWillhomereturnFromlabour。Tarry，tarry，man，Andwithuseatoureveningmeal。

WANDERER。

Is’thereyedwell？

WOMAN。

Yonder，withinthosewallswelive。

Myfather’twaswhobuiltthecottageOftilesandstonesfromouttheruins。

’Tisherewedwell。

Hegavemetoahusbandman，Andinourarmsexpired——

Hastthoubeensleeping，dearestheartHowlively，andhowfullofplay！

Sweetrogue！

WANDERER。

Nature，thoueverbuddingone，Thouformesteachforlife’senjoyments，And，likeamother，allthychildrendear，Blessestwiththatsweetheritage，——ahomeTheswallowbuildsthecorniceround，UnconsciousofthebeautiesSheplastersup。

Thecaterpillarspinsaroundthebough，Tomakeherbroodawinterhouse。

Andthoudostpatch，betweenantiquity’sMostgloriousrelics，Forthymeanuse，Ohman，ahumblecot，——

Enjoyeste’enmidtombs！——

Farewell，thouhappywoman！

WOMAN。

Thouwiltnotstay，then？

WANDERER。

MayGodpreservethee，Andblessthyboy！

WOMAN。

Ahappyjourney！

WANDERER。

WhitherconductsthepathAcrossyonhill？

WOMAN。

ToCuma。

WANDERER。

Howfarfromhence？

WOMAN。

’Tisfullthreemiles。

WANDERER。

Farewell！

OhNature，guidemeonmyway！

Thewanderingstrangerguide，Whoo’erthetombsOfholybygonetimesIspassing，Toakindshelteringplace，FromNorthwindssafe，AndwhereapoplargroveShutsoutthenoontideray！

AndwhenIcomeHometomycotAtevening，Illuminedbythesettingsun，Letmeembraceawifelikethis，Herinfantinherarms！

1772。

*Comparewiththebeautifuldescriptioncontainedinthesubsequentlines，anaccountofaruinedtempleofCeres，givenbyChamberlayneinhisPharonnida(publishedin1659)……WithmournfulmajesiyAheapofsolitaryruinslie，Halfsepulchredindust，thebankruptheirToprodigalantiquity——

LOVEASALANDSCAPEPAINTER。

ONarockypeakoncesatIearly，Gazingonthemistwitheyesunmoving。

Stretch’doutlikeapallofgreyishtexture，Allthingsround，andallaboveitcover’d。

Suddenlyaboyappear’dbesideme，SayingFriend，whatmeanestthoubygazingOnthevacantpallwithsuchcomposure？

HastthoulostforevermoreallpleasureBothinpaintingcunningly，andforming？

OnthechildIgazed，andthoughtinsecret：

Wouldtheboypretendtobeamaster？

Wouldstthoubeforeverdullandidle，

Saidtheboy，nowisdomthou’ltattainto。

See，I’llstraightwaypaintfortheeafigure，——

Howtopaintabeauteousfigure，showthee。

Andhethenextendedhisfore-finger，——

(Ruddywasitasayouthfulrosebud)

Tow’rdthebroadandfaroutstretchingcarpet，Andbegantodrawtherewithhisfinger。

Firstonhigharadiantsunhepainted，Whichuponmineeyeswithsplendourglisten’d，Andhemadethecloudswithgoldenborder，Throughthecloudsheletthesunbeamsenter。

PaintedthenthesoftandfeatherysummitsOfthefreshandquicken’dtrees，behindthemOnebyonewithfreedomdrewthemountains。

Underneathheleftnolackofwater，ButtheriverpaintedsolikeNature，Thatitseem’dtoglitterinthesunbeams，Thatitseem’dagainstitsbankstomurmur。

Ah，thereblossom’dflowersbesidetheriver，Andbrightcoloursgleam’duponthemeadow，Gold，andgreen，andpurple，andenamell’d，Alllikecarbunclesandemeraldsseeming！

Brightandclearheaddedthentheheavens，Andtheblue-tingedmountainsfarandfarther，SothatI，asthoughnewborn，enrapturedGazedon，nowthepainter，nowthepicture。

Thenspakehe：AlthoughIhaveconvincedtheeThatthisartIunderstandfullsurely，Yetthehardeststillislefttoshowthee。

Thereuponhetraced，withpointedfinger，Andwithanxiouscare，upontheforest，Attheutmostverge，wherethestrongsunbeamsFromtheshininggroundappear’dreflected，Tracedthefigureofalovelymaiden，Fairinform，andcladingracefulfashion，Freshthecheeksbeneathherbrownlocks’ambush，Andthecheekspossess’dtheselfsamecolourAsthefingerthathadservedtopaintthem。

Ohthouboy！exclaim’dIthen，whatmasterInhisschoolreceivedtheeashispupil，TeachingtheesotruthfullyandquicklyWiselytobegin，andwelltofinish？

WhilstIstillwasspeaking，lo，azephyrSoftlyrose，andsetthetree-topsmoving，Curlingallthewaveletsontheriver，Andtheperfectmaiden’sveil，too，fill’dit，Andtomakemywondermentstillgreater，Soonthemaidensetherfootinmotion。

Onshecame，approachingtow’rdthestationWherestillsatIwithmyarchinstructor。

Asnowall，yes，allthusmovedtogether，——

Flowers，river，trees，theveil，——allmoving，——

Andthegentlefootofthatmostfairone，CanyethinkthatonmyrockIlinger’d，Likearock，asthoughfast-chain’dandsilent？

1788——

GOD，SOUL，ANDWORLD——

RHYMEDDISTICHS。

[TheDistichs，ofwhichthesearegivenasaspecimen，areaboutfortyinnumber。]

WHOtrustsinGod，FearsnotHisrod——

THIStruthmaybebyallbelieved：

WhomGoddeceives，iswelldeceived——

HOW？when？andwhere？——Noanswercomesfromhigh。

Thouwait’stfortheBecause，andyetthouask’stnotWhy？——

IFthewholeisevertogladdenthee，Thatwholeinthesmallestthingthoumustsee——

WATERitslivingstrengthfirstshows，Whenobstaclesitscourseoppose——

TRANSPARENTappearstheradiantair，Thoughsteelandstoneinitsbreastitmaybear。

Atlengththey’llmeetwithfierypower，Andmetalandstonesontheearthwillshower——

WHATE’ERalivingflamemaysurround，Nolongerisshapeless，orearthlybound。

’Tisnowinvisible，fliesfromearth，Andhastensonhightotheplaceofitsbirth。

1815。*——

PROCEMION。

INHisblestname，whowasHisowncreation，Whofromalltimemakesmakinghisvocation。

ThenameofHimwhomakesourfaithsobright，Love，confidence，activity，andmight。

InthatOne’sname，who，namedthoughoftHebe，UnknowniseverinReality：

Asfarasearcanreach，oreyesightdim，ThoufindestbuttheknownresemblingHim。

Howhighso’erthyfieryspirithovers，ItssimileandtypeitstraightdiscoversOnwardthou’rtdrawn，withfeelingslightandgay，Where’erthougoest，smilingistheway。

Nomorethounumbrest，reckonestnotime，Eachstepisinfinite，eachstepsublime。

1816——

WHATGodwouldoutwardlyalonecontrol，AndonhisfingerwhirlthemightyWhole？

Helovestheinnerworldtomove，toviewNatureinHim，HimselfinNaturetoo，SothatwhatinHimworks，andis，andlives，ThemeasureofHisstrength，Hisspiritgives。

1816——

WITHINusallauniversedothdwell。

Andhenceeachpeople’susagelaudable，Thatev’ryonetheBestthatmeetshiseyesAsGod，yeae’enhisGod，dothrecognise。

ToHimbothearthandheavensurrendershe，FearsHim，andlovesHimtoo，ifthatmaybe。

1816——

THEMETAMORPHOSISOFPLANTS。

THOUartconfused，mybeloved，at，seeingthethousandfoldunionShowninthisflowerytroop，overthegardendispers’d。

anyanamedostthouhearassign’d。oneafteranotherFallsonthylist’ningear，withabarbariansound。

Noneresemblethanother，yetalltheirformshavealikeness。

Therefore，amysticallawisbythechorusproclaim’d。

Yes，asacredenigma！Oh，dearestfriend，couldIonlyHappilyteachtheetheword，whichmaythemysterysolve！

Closelyobservehowtheplant，bylittleandlittleprogressing，Stepbystepguidedon，changethtoblossomandfruit！

Firstfromtheseeditunravelsitself，assoonasthesilentFruit-bearingwomboftheearthkindlyallowsItsescape，Andtothecharmsofthelight，theholy，theever-in-motion，Trusteththedelicateleaves，feeblybeginningtoshoot。

Simplyslumber’dtheforceintheseed。agermofthefuture，Peacefullylock’dinitself，’neaththeintegumentlay，Leafandroot，andbud，stillvoidofcolour，andshapeless。

Thusdoththekernel，whiledry，coverthatmotionlesslife。

Upwardthenstrivesittoswell，ingentlemoistureconfiding，And，fromthenightwhereitdwelt，straightwayascendethtolight。

Yetstillsimpleremainethitsfigure，whenfirstitappeareth。

And’tisatokenlikethis，pointsoutthechild’midtheplants。

Soonashoot，succeedingit，risethonhigh，andreneweth，Piling-upnodeuponnode，evertheprimitiveform。

Yetnoteveralike：forthefollowingleaf，asthouseest，Everproducethitself，fashionedinmanifoldways。

Longer，moreindented，inpointsandinpartsmoredivided，Which。all-deform’duntilnow，sleptintheorganbelow，Soatlengthitattaineththenobleanddestinedperfection，Which，infullmanyatribe，fillstheewithwonderingawe。

Manyribb’dandtooth’d，onasurfacejuicyandswelling，Freeandunendingtheshootseemethinfullnesstobe。

YethereNaturerestraineth，withpowerfulhands，theformation，Andtoaperfecterend，guidethwithsoftnessitsgrowth，Lessabundantlyyieldingthesap，contractingthevessels，Sothatthefigureerelonggentlereffectsdothdisclose。

Soonandinsilenceischeck’dthegrowthofthevigorousbranches，Andtheribofthestalkfullerbecomethinform。

Leafless，however，andquickthetendererstemthenup-springeth，Andamiraculoussightdoththeobserverenchant。

Rangedinacircle，innumbersthatnowaresmall，andnowcountless，Gatherthesmaller-sizedleaves，closebythesideoftheirlike。

Roundtheaxiscompress’dtheshelteringcalyxunfoldeth，And，astheperfectesttype，brilliant-huedcoronalsforms。

ThusdothNaturebloom，inglorystillnoblerandfuller，Showing，inorderarranged，memberonmemberuprear’d。

Wondermentfreshdostthoufeel，assoonasthestemrearstheflowerOverthescaffoldingfrailofthealternatingleaves。

Butthisgloryisonlythenewcreation’sforeteller，Yes，theleafwithitshuesfeeleththehandalldivine，Andonasuddencontractethitself。thetenderestfiguresTwofoldasyet，hastenon，destinedtoblendintoone。

Lovinglynowthebeauteouspairsarestandingtogether，Gather’dincountlessarray，therewherethealtarisraised。

Hymenhoveretho’erthem，andscentsdeliciousandmightyStreamforththeirfragrancesosweet，allthingsenliv’ningaround。

Presently，parcell’dout，unnumber’dgermsareseenswelling，Sweetlyconcealdinthewomb，whereismadeperfectthefruit。

HeredothNatureclosetheringofherforceseternal。

Yetdothanewone，atonce，clingtotheonegonebefore，Sothatthechainbeprolongedforeverthroughallgenerations，Andthatthewholemayhavelife，e’enasenjoy’dbyeachpart。

Now，mybelovedone，turnthygazeonthemany-huedthousandsWhich，confusingnomore，gladdenthemindastheywave。

Everyplantuntotheeproclaimeththelawseverlasting，Everyfloweredspeakslouderandloudertothee。

Butifthouherecanstdecipherthemysticwordsofthegoddess，Everywherewilltheybeseen，e’enthoughthefeaturesarechanged。

Creepinginsectsmaylinger，theeagerbutterflyhasten，——

Plasticandforming，maymanchangee’enthefiguredecreed！

Oh，then，bethinkthee，aswell，howoutofthegermofacquaintance，Kindlyintercoursesprang，slowlyunfoldingitsleaves。

Soonhowfriendshipwithmightunveil’ditselfinourbosoms，AndhowAmor，atlength，broughtforthblossomandfruitThinkofthemanifoldwayswhereinNaturehathlenttoourfeelings，Silentlygivingthembirth，eitherthefirstorthelast！

Yes，andrejoiceinthepresentday！ForlovethatisholySeekeththenoblestoffruits，——thatwherethethoughtsarethesame，Wheretheopinionsagree，——thatthepairmay，inraptcontemplation，Lovinglyblendintoone，——findthemoreexcellentworld。

1797——

PROVERBS——

’TISeasierfarawreathtobind，Thanagoodownerforttofind——

IKILL’Dathousandfliesovernight，Yetwaswaken’dbyone，assoonastwaslight——

TothemotherIgive。

ForthedaughterIlive——

ABREACHiseveryday，Bymanyamortalstorm’d。

Letthemfallinthegapsastheymay，Yetaheapofdeadisne’erform’d——

WHATharmhasthypoormirrordone，alas？

Looknotsougly，prythee，intheglass！

1815。*——

TAMEXENIA。

THEEpigramsbearingthetitleofXENIAwerewrittenbyGoetheandSchillertogether，havingbeenfirstoccasionedbysomeviolentattacksmadeonthembysomeinsignificantwriters。Theyareextremelynumerous，butscarcelyanyofthemcouldbetranslatedintoEnglish。Thoseheregivenaremerelypresentedasaspecimen。

GODgavetomortalsbirth，Inhisownimagetoo。

ThencameHimselftoearth，Amortalkindandtrue。

1821。*——

BARBARIANSoftendeavourGodsforthemselvestomakeButthey’remorehideouseverThandragonorthansnake。

1821。*——

WHATshallIteachthee，theveryfirstthing？——

FainwouldIlearno’ermyshadowtospring！

1827。*——

WHATisscience，rightlyknown？

’Tisthestrengthoflifealone。

Lifecanstthouengendernever，Lifemustbelife’sparentever。

1827。*——

Itmattersnot，Iween，Wherewormsourfriendsconsume，Beneaththeturfsogreen，Or’neathamarbletomb。

Remember，yewholive，Thoughfrownsthefleetingday，ThattoyourfriendsyegiveWhatneverwilldecay。

1827。*——

RELIGIONANDCHURCH——

THOUGHTSONJESUSCHRIST’SDESCENTINTOHELL。

[THEremarkablePoemofwhichthisisaliteralbutfaintrepresentation，waswrittenwhenGoethewasonlysixteenyearsold。Itderivesadditionalinterestfromthefactofitsbeingtheveryearliestpieceofhisthatispreserved。ThefewotherpiecesincludedbyGoetheunderthetitleofReligionandChurcharepolemical，anddevoidofinteresttotheEnglishreader。]

WHATwondrousnoiseisheardaround！

Throughheavenexultingvoicessound，AmightyarmymarchesonBythousandmillionsfollow’d，lo，ToyondarkplacemakeshastetogoGod’sSon，descendingfromHisthrone！

Hegoes——thetempestsroundHimbreak，AsJudgeandHerocomethHe。

Hegoes——theconstellationsquake，Thesun，theworldquakefearfully。

IseeHiminHisvictor-car，Onfieryaxlesborneafar，Whoonthecrossforusexpired。

ThetriumphtoyonrealmsHeshows，——

Remotefromearth，wherestarne’erglows，ThetriumphHeforusacquired。

Hecometh，Helltoextirpate，WhomHe，bydying，wellnighkill’d。

HeshallpronounceherfearfulfateHark！nowthecurseisstraightfulfill’d。

Hellseesthevictorcomeatlast，Shefeelsthatnowherreignispast，ShequakesandfearstomeetHissight。

SheknowsHisthunders’terrorsdread，Invainsheseekstohideherhead，Attemptstofly，butvainisflight。

Vainlyshehastesto’scapepursuitAndtoavoidherJudge’seye。

TheLord’sfiercewrathrestrainsherfootLikebrazenchains，——shecannotfly。

HereliestheDragon，trampleddown，Helies，andfeelsGod’sangryfrown，Hefeels，andgrinnethhideously。

HefeelsHell’sspeechlessagonies，Athousandtimeshehowlsandsighs：

Oh，burningflames！quick，swallowme！

Thereliesheinthefierywaves，Bytormentsrack’dandpangsinfernal，Instantannihilationcraves，Andhears，thosepangswillbeeternal。

Thosemightysquadrons，too，arehere，Thepartnersofhiscursedcareer，Yetfarlessbadthanhewerethey。

Hereliesthecountlessthrongcombined，Inblackandfearfulcrowdsentwined，Whileroundhimfierytempestsplay。

HeseeshowtheytheJudgeavoid，Heseesthestormuponthemfeed，Yetisnotatthesighto’erjoy’d，Becausehispangse’entheirsexceed。

TheSonofManintriumphpassesDowntoHell’swildandblackmorasses，AndthereunfoldsHismajesty。

Hellcannotbearthebrightarray，For，sinceherfirstcreatedday。

Darknessalonee’ergovern’dshe。

Shelayremotefromev’rylightWithtormentsfill’dinChaoshere。

Godturn’dforeverfromhersightHisradiantfeatures’gloryclear。

Withintherealmsshecallsherown，SheseesthesplendouroftheSon，Hisdreadedgloriesshiningforth。

SheseesHimcladinrollingthunder，Sheseestherocksallquakewithwonder，WhenGodbeforeherstandsinwrath。

SheseesHecomesherJudgetobe，Shefeelstheawfulpangsinsideher，Herselftoslayendeavoursshe，Bute’enthiscomfortisdeniedher。

Nowlookssheback，withpainsuntold，Uponthosehappytimesofold，Whenthosegloriesgaveherjoy。

Whenyetherheartreveredthetruth，Whenhergladsoul，inendlessyouthAndrapturedwelt，withoutalloy。

Shecallstomindwithmadden’dthoughtHowovermanherwilesprevail’d。

TotakerevengeonGodshesought，Andfeelsthevengeanceitentail’d。

Godwasmademan，andcametoearth。

ThenSatancriedwithfearfulmirth：

E’enHemyvictimnowshallbe！

HesoughttoslaytheLordMostHigh，Theworld’sCreatornowmustdie。

But，Satan，endlesswoetothee！

Thouthought’sttoovercomeHimthen，RejoicinginHissuffering。

ButheintriumphcomesagainTobindthee：Death！whereisthysting？

Speak，Hell！whereisthyvictory？

Thypowerdestroy’dandscatter’dsee！

Know’stthounotnowtheHighest’smight？

See，Satan，seethyruleo’erthrown！

Bythousand-varyingpangsweigh’ddown，Thoudwell’stindarkandendlessnight。

Asthoughbylightningstruckthouliest，Nogleamofrapturefarorwide。

Invain！nohopethoutheredecriest，——

FormealoneMessiahdied！

Ahowlingrisesthroughtheair，Atremblingfillseachdarkvaultthere，WhenChristtoHellisseentocome。

Shesnarlswithrage，butneedsmustcowerBeforeourmightyhero’spower。

Hesigns——andHellisstraightwaydumb。

Beforehisvoicethethundersbreak，OnhighHisvictor-bannerblows。

E’enangelsatHisfuryquake，WhenChristtothedreadjudgmentgoes。

NowspeaksHe，andHisvoiceisthunder，Hespeaks，therocksarerentinsunder，Hisbreathislikedevouringflames。

ThusspeaksHe：Tremble，yeaccurs’d！

HewhofromEdenhurl’dyouerst，Yourkingdom’soverthrowproclaims。

Lookup！Mychildrenoncewereye，YourarmsagainstMethenyeturn’d，Yefell，thatyemightsinnersbe，Ye’venowthewagesthatyeearn’d。

Mygreatestfoemanfromthatday，Yeledmydearestfriendsastray，——

Asyehadfallen，manmustfall。

Tokillhimevermoreyesought，’Theyallshalldiethedeath，’yethought。

Buthowl！forMeIwonthemall。

ForthemalonedidIdescend，Forthempray’d，suffer’d，perish’dI。

Yene’ershallgainyourwickedend。

WhotrustsinMeshallneverdie。

Inendlesschainsherelieyenow，Nothingcansaveyoufromtheslough。

Notboldness，notregretforcrime。

Lie，then，andwritheinbrimstonefire！

’TwasyeyourselvesdrewdownMineire，Lieandlamentthroughoutalltime！

Andalsoye，whomIselected，E’enyeforeverIdisown，ForyeMysavinggracerejectedYemurmur？blameyourselvesalone！

YemighthavelivedwithMeinbliss，ForIofyorehadpromis’dthis。

Yesinn’d，andallMypreceptsslightedWrapp’dinthesleepofsinyedwelt，NowisMyfearfuljudgmentfelt，Byajustdoomyourguiltrequited——

ThusspakeHe，andafearfulstormFromHimproceeds，thelightningsglow，Thethundersseizeeachwickedform，Andhurltheminthegulfbelow。

TheGod-manclosethHell’ssaddoors，InallHismajestyHesoarsFromthosedarkregionsbacktolight。

HesittethattheFather’sside。

Oh，friends，whatjoydoththisbetide！

Forus，forusHestillwillfight！

TheangelssacredquirearoundRejoicebeforethemightyLord，Sothatallcreatureshearthesound：

Zebaoth’sGodbeayeador’d！

1765——

ANTIQUES——

LEOPOLD，DUKEOFBRUNSWICK。

[Writtenontheoccasionofthedeath，bydrowning，ofthePrince。]

THOUwertforciblyseizedbythehoarylordoftheriver，——

Holdingthee，everheshareswiththeehisstreamingdomain，Calmlysleepestthounearhisurnasitsilentlytrickles，Tillthoutoactionartroused，wakedbytheswift-rollingflood。

Kindlybetothepeople，aswhenthoustillwertamortal，Perfectingthatasagod，whichthoudidstfailin，asman。

1785——

TOTHEHUSBANDMAN。

SMOOTHLYandlightlythegoldenseedbythefurrowiscover’d。

Yetwilladeeperone，friend，coverthybonesatthelast。

Joyouslyplough’dandsow’d！Herefoodalllivingisbudding，E’enfromthesideofthetombHopewillnotvanishaway。

1789。*——

ANACREON’SGRAVE。

HEREwheretherosesblossom，wherevinesroundthelaurelsaretwining，Wheretheturtle-dovecalls，wheretheblithecricketisheard，Say，whosegravecanthisbe，withlifebyalltheImmortalsBeauteouslyplantedanddeck’d？——HeredothAnacreonsleepSpringandsummerandautumnrejoicedthethrice-happyminstrel，Andfromthewinterthismoundkindlyhathscreen’dhimatlast。

1789。*——

THEBRETHREN。

SLUMBERandSleep，twobrethrenordain’dbythegodstotheirservice，WerebyPrometheusimplored，comforttogivetohisrace。

Butthoughsolighttothegods，tooheavyformanwastheirburden，Weintheirslumberfindsleep，weintheirsleepmeetwithdeath。

1789。*——

MEASUREOFTIME。

EROS，whatmean’stthoubythis？Ineachofthinehandsisanhourglass！

What，ohthoufrivolousgod！twofoldthymeasureoftime？

Slowlyrunfromtheone，thehoursofloverswhenparted。

Whilethroughtheothertheyrushswiftly，assoonastheymeet。

1789。*——

WARNING。

WAKENnotAmorfromsleep！Thebeauteousurchinstillslumbers。

Go，andcompletethouthetask，thattothedayisassign’d！

Thusdoththeprudentmotherwithcareturntimetoherprofit，Whileherbabeisasleep，for’twillawakebuttoosoon。

1785。*——

SOLITUDE。

OHyekindlynymphs，whodwell’mongsttherocksandthethickets，Grantuntoeachwhatsoe’erhemayinsilencedesire！

Comfortimparttothemourner，andgivetothedoubterinstruction，Andlettheloverrejoice，findingtheblissthathecraves。

Forfromthegodsyereceivedwhattheyeverdenieduntomortals，Powertocomfortandaidallwhoinyoumayconfide。

1782——

THECHOSENCLIFF。

HEREinsilencetheloverfondlymusedonhislovedone。

Gladlyhespaketomethus：Bethoumywitness，thoustone！

Yetthoumustnotbevainglorious，thouhastmanycompanions。

Untoeachrockontheplain，whereI，thehappyone，dwell，UntoeachtreeofthewoodthatIclingto，asonwardIramble，’Bethouasignofmybliss！’shoutI，andthen’tisordain’d。

YettotheeonlyIlendavoice，asaMusefromthepeopleChoosethoneforherself，kissinghislipsasafriend。

1782——

THECONSECRATEDSPOT。

WHENinthedanceoftheNymphs，inthemoonlightsoholyassembled，MingletheGraces，downfromOlympusinsecretdescending，Heredoththeminstrelhide，andlisttotheirnumbersenthralling，Heredothhewatchtheirsilentdances’mysteriousmeasure。

AllthatisgloriousinHeaven，andallthattheearthinherbeautyEverhathbroughtintolife，thedreamerawakeseesbeforehim。

AllherepeatstotheMuses，andlestthegodsshouldbeanger’d，Howtotellofsecretsdiscreetly，theMusesinstructhim。

1789。*——

THEINSTRUCTORS。

WHENDiogenesquietlysunn’dhimselfinhisbarrel，WhenCalanuswithjoyleaptintheflame-breathinggrave，Oh，whatnoblelessonswerethosefortherashsonofPhilip，Werenotthelordoftheworlde’enforinstructiontoogreat！

1789。*——

THEUNEQUALMARRIAGE，EVENthisheavenlypairwereunequallymatch’dwhenunited：

Psychegrewolderandwise，Amorremain’dstillachild，1789。*——

EXCUSE。

THOUdostcomplainofwomanforchangingfromonetoanother？

Censurehernot：forsheseeksonewhowillconstantremain。

1789。*——

SAKONTALA。

WOULDSTthoutheblossomsofspring，aswellasthefruitsoftheautumn，Wouldstthouwhatcharmsanddelights，wouldstthouwhatplenteously，feeds，WouldthouincludebothHeavenandearthinonedesignation，Allthatisneededisdone，whenISakontalaname。

1792——

THEMUSE’SMIRROR。

EARLYoneday，theMuse，wheneagerlybentonadornment，Follow’daswift-runningstreamlet，thequietestnookbyitseeking。

Quicklyandnoisilyflowing，thechangefulsurfacedistortedEverhermovingform。thegoddessdepartedinanger。

Yetthestreamcall’dmockinglyafterher，saying：What，truly！

Wiltthounotview，then，thetruth，inmymirrorsoclearlydepicted？

Butshealreadywasfaraway，onthebrinkoftheocean，Inherfigurerejoicing，anddulyarranginghergarland。

1799。*——

PHOEBUSANDHERMES。

DELOS’statelyruler，andMaia’sson，theadroitone，Warmlywerestriving，forbothsoughtthegreatprizetoobtain。

Hermesthelyredemanded，thelyrewasclaim’dbyApollo，Yetweretheheartsofthefoesfruitlesslynourish’dbyhope。

ForonasuddenAresburstin，withfurydecisive，Dashingintwainthegoldtoy，brandishingwildlyhissword。

Hermes，maliciousone，laughedbeyondmeasure。yetdeep-seatedsorrowSeizeduponPhoebus’sheart，seizedontheheartofeachMuse。

1799。*——

THENEWAMOR。

AMOR，notthechild，theyouthfulloverofPsyche，Look’droundOlympusoneday，boldly，totriumphinured。

Thereheespiedagoddess，thefairestamongsttheimmortals，——

VenusUraniashe，——straightwashispassioninflamed。

Eventheholyonepowerlessproved，alas！’gainsthiswooing，——

Tightlyembracedinhisarm，heldherthedaringonefast。

Thenfromtheirunionaroseanew，amorebeauteousAmor，Whofromhisfatherhiswit，gracefromhismotherderives。

Everthou’ltfindhimjoin’dinthekindlyMuses’communion，Andhischarm-ladenboltfoundeththeloveofthearts。

1792——

THEGARLANDS。

KLOPSTOCKwouldleadusawayfromPindus。nolongerforlaurelMaywebeeager——thehomelyacornalonemustcontentus。

Yethehimselfhismore-than-epiccrusadeisconductingHighonGolgotha’ssummit，thatforeigngodshemayhonour！

Yet，onwhathillheprefers，lethimgathertheangelstogether，Sufferdeserteddisciplestoweepo’erthegraveofthejustone：

Therewhereaheroandsainthathdied，whereabardbreath’dhisnumbers，BothforourlifeandourdeathanensampleofcourageresplendentAndoftheloftiesthumanworthtobequeath，——ev’rynationTherewilljoyouslykneelindevotionecstatic，reveringThornandlaurelgarland，andallitscharmsanditstortures。

1815。*——

THESWISSALPS。

YESTERDAYbrownwasstillthyhead，asthelocksofmylovedone，Whosesweetimagesodearsilentlybeckonsafar。

Silver-greyistheearlysnowto-dayonthysummit，Throughthetempestuousnightstreamingfastoverthybrow。

Youth，alas，throughoutlifeascloselytoageisunitedAs，insomechangeabledream，yesterdayblendswithto-day。

Uri，October7th，1797——

DISTICHS。

CHORDSaretouch’dbyApollo，——thedeath-ladenbow，too，hebendeth。

Whilehetheshepherdesscharms，Pythonhelaysinthedust——

WHATismercifulcensure？Tomakethyfaultsappearsmaller？

Maybetoveilthem？No，no！O’erthemtoraisetheeonhigh！——

DEMOCRATICfoodsooncloysonthemultitude’sstomach。

ButI’llwager，erelong，otherthou’ltgivetheminstead——

WHATinFrancehaspass’dby，theGermanscontinuetopractise，Fortheproudestofmenflattersthepeopleandfawns——

WHOisthehappiestofmen？Hewhovaluesthemeritsofothers，Andintheirpleasuretakesjoy，evenasthough’twerehisown——

NOTinthemorningalone，notonlyatmid-dayhecharmeth。

Evenatsetting，thesunisstillthesamegloriousplanet——

VENETIANEPIGRAMS。

(Writtenin1790。)——

URNandsarcophaguserstwerewithlifeadorn’dbytheheathenFaunsaredancingaround，whilewiththeBacchanaltroopChequerdcirclestheytrace。andthegoat-footed，puffy-cheekdplayerWildlyproducethhoarsetonesoutoftheclamoroushorn。

Cymbalsanddrumsresound。weseeandwehear，too，themarble。

Flutteringbird！ohhowsweettastestheripefruittothybill！

Noisethereisnonetodisturbthee，stilllesstoscareawayAmor，Who，inthemidstofthethrong，learnstodelightinhistorch。

Thusdothfullnessovercomedeath。andtheashestherecover’dSeem，inthatsilentdomain，stilltobegladdendwithlife。

Thusmaytheminstrel’ssarcophagusbehereaftersurroundedWithsuchascroll，whichhimselfrichlywithlifehasadorn’d——

CLASP’DinmyarmsforevereagerlyholdImymistress，Evermypantingheartthrobswildlyagainstherdearbreast，Andonherkneesforeverisleaningmyhead，whileI’mgazingNowonhersweet-smilingmouth，nowonherbrightsparklingeyes。

Ohthoueffeminate！spakeone，andthus，then，thydaysthouartspending？

Ah，theyinsorrowarespent。ListwhileItelltheemytale：

Yes！Ihaveleftmyonlyjoyinlifefarbehindme，Twentylongdayshathmycarbornemeawayfromhersight。

Vettrinidefyme，whilecraftychamberlainsflatter，AndtheslyValetdeplacethinksbutofliesanddeceit。

IfIattempttoescape，thePostmasterfastensuponme，Postboystheupperhandget，custom-housedutiesenrage。

Truly，Ican’tunderstandthee！thoutalkestenigmas！thouseemestWrapp’dinablissfulrepose，gladasRinaldoofyore：

Ah，Imyselfunderstandfullwell。’tismybodythattravels，And’tismyspiritthatrestsstillinmymistress’sarms——

IWOULDlikenthisgondolauntothesoft-rockingcradle，Andthechestonitsdeckseemsavastcoffintobe。

Yes！’tweenthecradleandcoffin，wetotterandwaverforeverOnthemightycanal，carelessourlifetimeisspent——

WHYarethepeoplethusbusilymoving？Forfoodtheyareseeking，Childrentheyfainwouldbeget，feedingthemwellastheycan。

Traveller，markthiswell，andwhenthouarthome，dothoulikewise！

Morecannomortaleffect，workwithwhatardourhewill——

IWOULDcomparetothelandthisanvil，itslordtothehammer，Andtothepeopletheplate，whichinthemiddleisbent。

Sadisthepoortin-plate’slot，whentheblowsarebutgivenatrandom：

Ne’erwillthekettlebemade，whiletheyuncertainlyfall——

WHATisthelifeofaman？Yetthousandsareeveraccustom’dFreelytotalkaboutman，——whathehasdone，too，andhow。

Evenlessisapoem。yetthousandsreadandenjoyit，Thousandsabuseit——Myfriend，liveandcontinuetorhyme！——

MERRY’Sthetradeofapoet。butsomewhatadearone，IfearmeFor，asmybookgrowsapace，allofmysequinsIlose——

Is’thou’rtinearnest，nolongerdelay，butrendermehappy。

Artthouinjest？Ah，sweetlove！timeforalljestingispast——

ARTthou，then，vex’datmysilence？WhatshallIspeakof？ThoumarkestNeithermysorrowfulsigh，normysofteloquentlook。

Onlyonegoddessisablethesealofmylipstounloosen，——

WhenbyAuroraI’mfound，slumberingcalmonthybreast。

Ah，thenmyhymnintheearsoftheearliestgodsshallbechaunted，AstheMemnonianformbreath’dforthsweetsecretsinsong——

INthetwilightofmorningtoclimbtothetopofthemountain，——

Theetosalute，kindlystar，earliestheraldofday，——

Andtoawait，withimpatience，thegazeoftherulerofheaven，——

Youthfuldelight，ohoftlur’stthoumeoutinthenight！

Ohyeheraldsofday，yeheavenlyeyesofmymistress，Nowyeappear，andthesunevermorerisethtoosoon——

THOUartamazed，anddostpointtotheocean。Itseemstobeburning，Flame-crestedbillowsinplaydartroundournight-movingbark。

Meitastonishethnot，——oftheoceanwasbornAphrodite，——

Didnotaflame，too，proceedfromherforus，inherson？——

GLEAMINGtheoceanappear’d，thebeauteousbillowsweresmiling，Whileafresh，favouringwind，fillingthesails，droveuson。

Freewasmybosomfromyearning。yetsoonmylanguishingglancesTurn’dthemselvesbackwardinhaste，seekingthesnow-cover’dhills。

Treasuresunnumber’daresouthwardslying。YetonetothenorthwardsDrawsmeresistlesslyback，likethestrongmagnetinforce——

SPACIOUSandfairistheworld。yetoh！howIthankthekindheavensThatIagardenpossess，smallthoughitbe，yetmineown。

Onewhichenticethmehomewards。whyshouldagardenerwander？

Honourandpleasurehefinds，whentohisgardenhelooks——

AH，mymaidenisgoing！shemountsthevessel！Mymonarch，AEolus！potentatedread！keepev’rystormfaraway！

Oh，thoufool！criedthegod：ne’erfeartheblusteringtempest。

WhenLovefluttershiswings，thenmaystthoudreadthesoftbreeze——

ELEGIES——

PARTI。

ROMANELEGIES。

[TheRomanElegieswerewritteninthesameyearastheVenetianEpigrams——viz。1790。]

SPEAK，yestones，Ientreat！Ohspeak，yepalaceslofty！

Utteraword，ohyestreets！Wiltthounot，Genius，awake？

Allthatthysacredwalls，eternalRome，holdwithinthemTeemethwithlife。buttome，allisstillsilentanddead。

Oh，whowillwhisperuntome，——whenshallIseeatthecasementThatonebeauteousform，which，whileitscorcheth，revives？

CanIasyetnotdiscerntheroad，onwhichIforeverToherandfromhershallgo，heedingnottimeasitflies？

StilldoImarkthechurches，palaces，ruins，andcolumns，Asawisetravellershould，wouldhehisjourneyimprove。

Soonallthiswillbepast。andthenwilltherebebutonetemple，Amor’stemplealone，wheretheInitiatemaygo。

Thouartindeedaworld，ohRome。andyet，wereLoveabsent，Thenwouldtheworldbenoworld，thenwoulde’enRomebenoRome——

Donotrepent，mineownlove，thatthousosoondidstsurrenderTrustme，Ideemtheenotbold！reverenceonlyIfeel。

ManifoldworkingsthedartsofAmorpossess。somebutscratching，Yetwithinsidiouseffect，poisonthebosomforyears。

Othersmightilyfeather’d，withfreshandnewly-bornsharpnessPiercetotheinnermostbone，kindlethebloodintoflame。

Intheheroicaltimes，whenlovedeachgodandeachgoddess，Longingattendedonsight。thenwithfruitionwasbless’d。

Think’stthouthegoddesshadlongbeenthinkingofloveanditspleasuresWhenshe，inIda’sretreats，own’dtoAnchisesherflame？

HadbutLunadelaydtokissthebeautifulsleeper，Oh，byAurora，erelong，hehadinenvybeenrous’d！

HeroLeanderespiedatthenoisyfeast，andtheloverHotlyandnimbly，erelong，plungedinthenight-cover’dflood。

RheaSilvia，virginprincess，roam’dneartheTiber，Seekingtherewatertodraw，whenbythegodshewasseiz’d。

ThuswerethesonsofMarsbegotten！Thetwinsdidashe-wolfSuckleandnurture，——andRomecall’dherselfqueenoftheworld，——

ALEXANDER，andCaesar，andHenry，andFred’rick，themighty，Onmewouldgladlybestowhalfoftheglorytheyearn’d，CouldIbutgrantuntoeachonenightonthecouchwhereI’mlying。

Butthey，byOrcus’snight，sternly，alas！arehelddown。

Thereforerejoice，ohthoulivingone，blestinthylove-lightedhomestead，ErethedarkLethe’ssadwavewetteththyfugitivefoot——

THESEfewleaves，ohyeGraces，abardpresents，inyourhonour，Onyouraltarsopure，addingsweetrosebudsaswell，Andhedoesitwithhope。Theartistisgladinhisworkshop，WhenaPantheonitseemsroundhimforevertobring。

Jupiterknitshisgodlikebrow，——her’s，Junoup-lifteth。

Phoebusstridesonbefore，shakinghiscurly-lock’dheadCalmlyanddrilyMinervalooksdown，andHermesthelightone，Turnethhisglancesaside，roguishandtenderatonce。

Buttow’rdsBacchus，theyielding，thedreaming，raisethCythereLooksbothlongingandsweet，e’eninthemarbleyetmoist。

Ofhisembracesshethinkswithdelight，andseemstobeaskingShouldnotourglorioussontakeuphisplacebyourside？