TOTHECOUNTESSGRANVILLE。
MYDEARLADYGRANVILLE，——
THEreluctancewhichmustnaturallybefeltbyanyoneinventuringtogivetotheworldabooksuchasthepresent，wherethebeautiesofthegreatoriginalmustinevitablybediminished，ifnotdestroyed，intheprocessofpassingthroughthetranslator’shands，cannotbutbefeltinallitsforcewhenthattranslatorhasnotpenetratedbeyondtheoutercourtsofthepoeticfane，andcanhavenohopeofadvancingfurther，orofreachingitssanctuary。Butitistomeasubjectofpeculiarsatisfactionthatyourkindpermissiontohaveyournameinscribeduponthispageservestoattainatwofoldend——onedirectandpersonal，andrelatingtothepresentday。theotherreflectedandhistorical，andbelongingtotimeslonggoneby。Ofthefirstlittleneednowbesaid，fortheprivilegeiswhollymine，inmakingthisdedication：astothesecond，onewordofexplanationwillsufficeforthosewhohavemadethegreatestpoetofGermany，almostoftheworld，theirstudy，andtowhomthestoryofhislifeisnotunknown。AllwhohavefollowedthecareerofGOETHEarefamiliarwiththenameandcharacterofDALBERG，andalsowiththedeepandlastingfriendshipthatexistedbetweenthem，fromwhichSCHILLERtoowasnotabsent。
recallingtothemindthedaysofold，whenaVirgilandaHoraceandaMaecenassatsidebyside。
Remembering，then，theconnectionthat，inaformercentury，wasformedandrivetedbetweenyourillustriousancestorandhimwhomitistheobjectofthesepagestorepresent，Ideemitahappyaugurythatthelinkthenestablishedfindsitselfnotwhollyseveredevennowalthoughitsstrengthmaybeimmeasurablyweakenedinthecomparison，inasmuchasthispagebringsthemoncemoreincontact，theoneinthepersonofhisowndescendant，theotherinthatofthetranslatorofhisPoems。
Believeme，withgreattruth，Veryfaithfullyyours，EDGARA。BOWRING。
London，April，1853。
ORIGINALPREFACE。
Ifeelnosmallreluctanceinventuringtogivetothepublicaworkofthecharacterofthatindicatedbythetitle-pagetothepresentvolume。for，difficultasitmustalwaysbetorendersatisfactorilyintoone’sowntonguethewritingsofthebardsofotherlands，theresponsibilityassumedbythetranslatorisimmeasurablyincreasedwhenheattemptstotransferthethoughtsofthosegreatmen，whohavelivedforalltheworldandforallages，fromthelanguageinwhichtheywereoriginallyclothed，toonetowhichtheymayasyethavebeenstrangers。PreeminentlyisthisthecasewithGoethe，themostmasterlyofallthemastermindsofmoderntimes，whosenameisalreadyinscribedonthetabletsofimmortality，andwhosefamealreadyextendsovertheearth，althoughasyetonlyinitsinfancy。Scarcelyhavetwodecadespassedawaysinceheceasedtodwellamongmen，yethenowstandsbeforeus，notasamereindividual，likethosewhomtheworldiswonttocallgreat，butasatype，asanemblem——therecognisedemblemandrepresentativeofthehumanmindinitspresentstageofcultureandadvancement。
AmongtheinfinitelyvariedeffusionsofGoethe’spen，perhapstherearenonewhichareofasgeneralinterestashisPoems，whichbreathetheveryspiritofNature，andembodytherealmusicofthefeelings。InGermany，theyareuniversallyknown，andareconsideredasthemostdelightfulofhisworks。Yetinthiscountry，thiskindredcountry，sprungfromthesamestem，andsostronglyresemblinghersisterinsomanypoints，theyarenearlyunknown。AlmosttheonlypoeticalworkofthegreatestPoetthattheworldhasseenforages，thatisreallyandgenerallyreadinEngland，isFaust，thetranslationsofwhicharealmostendless。whilenosinglepersonhasasyetappearedtoattempttogive，inanEnglishdress，inanycollectiveorsystematicmanner，thosesmallerproductionsofthegeniusofGoethewhichitistheobjectofthepresentvolumetolaybeforethereader，whoseindulgenceisrequestedforitsmanyimperfections。InadditiontothebeautyofthelanguageinwhichthePoethasgivenutterancetohisthoughts，thereisadepthofmeaninginthosethoughtswhichisnoteasilydiscoverableatfirstsight，andthetranslatorincursgreatriskofoverlookingit，andofgivingaprosaiceffecttothatwhichintheoriginalcontainstheveryessenceofpoetry。ItisprobablythisdifficultythathasdeterredothersfromundertakingthetaskI
havesetmyself，andinwhichIdonotpretendtodomorethanattempttogiveanideaoftheminstrelsyofonesounrivalled，byastruthfulaninterpretationofitasliesinmypower。
TheprincipleswhichhaveguidedmeonthepresentoccasionarethesameasthosefollowedinthetranslationofSchiller’scompletePoemsthatwaspublishedbymein1851，namely，asliteralarenderingoftheoriginalasisconsistentwithgoodEnglish，andalsoaverystrictadherencetothemetreoftheoriginal。Althoughtranslatorsusuallyallowthemselvesgreatlicenseinboththesepoints，itappearstomethatbysodoingtheyofnecessitydestroytheverysouloftheworktheyprofesstotranslate。Infact，itisnotatranslation，butaparaphrasethattheygive。Itmayperhapsbethoughtthatthepresenttranslationsgoalmosttotheotherextreme，andthatarenderingofmetre，lineforline，andwordforword，makesitimpossibletopreservethepoetryoftheoriginalbothinsubstanceandinsound。Butexperiencehasconvincedmethatitisnotso，andthatgreatfidelityiseventhemostessentialelementofsuccess，whetherintranslatingpoetryorprose。ItwasthereforeverysatisfactorytometofindthattheprinciplelaiddownbymetomyselfintranslatingSchillermetwiththeverygeneral，ifnotuniversal，approvalofthereader。Atthesametime，I
haveendeavouredtoprofitinthecaseofthis，theyoungerbornofthetwoattemptsmadebymetotransplantthemuseofGermanytotheshoresofBritain，bythecriticisms，whetherfriendlyorhostile，thathavebeenevokedorprovokedbytheappearanceofitselderbrother。
Asalreadymentioned，thelattercontainedthewholeofthePoemsofSchiller。Itisimpossible，inanythinglikethesamecompass，togiveallthewritingsofGoethecomprisedunderthegeneraltitleofGedichte，orpoems。Theycontainbetween30，000
and40，000verses，exclusiveofhisplays。andsimilarworks。
VerymanyofthesewouldbeabsolutelywithoutinteresttotheEnglishreader，——suchasthosehavingonlyalocalapplication，thoseaddressedtoindividuals，andsoon。Othersagain，fromtheirextremelength，couldonlybepublishedinseparatevolumes。Buttheimpossibilityofgivingallneedformnoobstacletogivingasmuchaspossible。anditsohappensthattherealinterestofGoethe’sPoemscentresinthoseclassesofthemwhicharenottoodiffusetorunanyriskwhentranslatedofoffendingthereaderbytheirtoogreatnumber。ThosebyfarthemoregenerallyadmiredaretheSongsandBallads，whichareabout150innumber，andthewholeofwhicharecontainedinthisvolumewiththeexceptionofoneortwooftheformer，whichhavebeen，onconsideration，leftoutbymeowingtotheirtriflinganduninterestingnature。ThesamemaybesaidoftheOdes，Sonnets，MiscellaneousPoems，&c。
InadditiontothoseportionsofGoethe’spoeticalworkswhicharegiveninthiscompleteform，specimensofthedifferentotherclassesofthem，suchastheEpigrams，Elegies，&c。，areadded，aswellasacollectionofthevariousSongsfoundinhisPlays，makingatotalnumberofabout400Poems，embracedinthepresentvolume。
AsketchofthelifeofGoetheisprefixed，inorderthatthereadermayhavebeforehimboththePoethimselfandthePoet’soffspring，andthathemayseethatthetwoarebutone——thatGoethelivesinhisworks，thathisworkslivedinhim。
ThedatesofthedifferentPoemsareappendedthroughout，thatofthefirstpublicationbeinggiven，whenthatofthecompositionisunknown。TheorderofarrangementadoptedisthatoftheauthorizedGermaneditions。AsGoethewouldneverarrangethemhimselfinthechronologicalorderoftheircomposition，ithasbecomeimpossibletodoso，nowthatheisdead。Theplanadoptedinthepresentvolumewouldthereforeseemtobethebest，asitfacilitatesreferencetotheoriginal。ThecircumstancesattendingorgivingrisetotheproductionofanyofthePoemswillbefoundspecifiedinthosecasesinwhichtheyhavebeenascertainedbyme。
Havingsaidthusmuchbywayofexplanation，Inowleavethebooktospeakforitself，andtotestifytoitsowncharacter。
Whetherviewedwithacharitableeyebythekindlyreader，whowillmakedueallowanceforthedifficultiesattendingitsexecution，orreceivedbythecritic，whowilljudgeofitonlybyitsownmerits，withtheunfriendlywelcomewhichitveryprobablydeserves，ItrustthatIshallatleastbepardonedformakinganattempt，afailureinwhichdoesnotnecessarilyimplydisgrace，andwhich，byleadingtheway，mayperhapsbecomethemeansofinducingsomeablerandmoreworthybutnotmoreearnestlabourertoenteruponthesamefield，therichesofwhichwillremainunalteredandundiminishedinvalue，evenalthoughtheymaybeforthemomenttarnishedbythehandsofthelessskilfulworkmanwhofirstendeavourstotransplantthemtoaforeignsoil。
PREFACETOTHESECONDEDITION。
IhavetakenadvantageofthepublicationofaSecondEditionofmytranslationofthePoemsofGoetheoriginallypublishedin1853，toaddtotheCollectionaversionofthemuchadmiredclassicalPoemofHermannandDorothea，whichwaspreviouslyomittedbymeinconsequenceofitslength。Itsuniversalpopularity，however，andthefactthatitexhibitstheversatilityofGoethe’stalentstoagreaterextentthan，perhaps，anyotherofhispoeticalworks，seemtocallforitsadmissionintothepresentvolume。
OntheotherhandIhavenotthoughtitnecessarytoincludethesketchofGoethe’sLifethataccompaniedtheFirstEdition。
Atthetimeofitspublication，comparativelylittlewasknowninthiscountryoftheincidentsofhiscareer，andmysketchwasavowedlywrittenasatemporarystop-gap，asitwere，pendingtheproductionofsomeworkreallydeservingthetittleofalifeofGoethe。Nottomentionothercontributionstotheliteratureofthesubject，Mr。Lewis’simportantvolumesgivetheEnglishreaderalltheinformationheislikelytorequirerespectingGoethe’scareer，andmyshortmemoirappearedtobenolongerrequired。
IneedscarcelyaddthatIhaveavailedmyselfofthisopportunitytomakewhateverimprovementshavesuggestedthemselvestomeinmyoriginalversionofthesePoems。
E。A。B。
London，1874。
CONTENTS。
OriginalDedicationOriginalPrefacePrefacetotheSecondEditionListoftheprincipalWorksofGoetheAuthor’sDedicationSONGS
Sound，sweetSong，fromsomefarLandTothekindReaderTheNewAmadisWhentheFoxdies，hisSkincountsTheHeathroseBlindman’sBuffChristelTheCoyOneTheConvertPreservationTheMuses’SonFoundLikeandLikeReciprocalInvitationtotheDanceSelf-DeceitDeclarationofWarLoverinallShapesTheGoldsmith’sApprenticeAnswersinaGameofQuestionsDifferentEmotionsonthesameSpotWho’llbuyGodsoflove？
TheMisanthropeDifferentThreatsMaidenWishesMotivesTrueEnjoymentTheFarewellTheBeautifulNight。
HappinessandVisionLivingRemembranceTheBlissofAbsenceToLunaTheWeddingNightMischievousJoyApparentDeathNovemberSongTotheChosenOneFirstLossAfterSensationsProximityoftheBelovedOnePresenceTotheDistantOneBytheRiverFarewellTheExchangeWelcomeandFarewellNewLove，NewLifeToBelindaMaySongWithapaintedRibbonWithagoldenNecklaceOntheLakeFromtheMountainFlower-SaluteInSummerMaySongPrematureSpringAutumnFeelingsRestlessLoveTheShepherd’sLamentComfortinTearsNightSongLongingToMignonTheMountainCastleTheSpirit’sSaluteToaGoldenHeartthatheworeroundhisneckTheBlissofSorrowTheWanderer’sNight-songTheSameTheHunter’sEven-SongTotheMoonToLinaEverandEverywherePetitionTohisCoyOneNightThoughtsToLidaProximityReciprocalRollickingHansTheFreebooterJoyandSorrowMarchAprilMayJuneNextYear’sSpringAtMidnightHourTotherisingfullMoonTheBridegroomSuch，suchishewhopleasethmeSicilianSongSwissSongFinnishSongGipsySongTheDestructionofMagdeburgFAMILIARSONGS。
OntheNewYearAnniversarySongTheSpringOracleTheHappyCoupleSongofFellowshipConstancyinChangeTableSongWontandDoneGeneralConfessionCopticSongAnotherVanitas！vanitatumvanitas！
FortuneofWarOpenTableTheReckoningErgoBibamus！
EpiphaniasBALLADS。
MignonTheMinstrelBalladofthebanishedandreturningCountTheVioletTheFaithlessBoyTheErl-KingJohannaSebusTheFishermanTheKingofThuleTheBeauteousFlower……
SirCurt’sWeddingJourneyWeddingSongTheTreasure-diggerTheRat-catcherTheSpinnerBeforeaCourtofJusticeThePageandtheMiller’sDaughterTheYouthandtheMillstreamTheMaidoftheMill’sTreacheryTheMaidoftheMill’sRepentanceTheTravellerandtheFarm-MaidenEffectsatadistanceTheWalkingBellFaithfulEckartTheDanceofDeathThePupilinMagicTheBrideofCorinthTheGodandtheBayadereThePariahI。ThePariah’sPrayer。
II。LegendIII。ThePariah’sThanksDeath——lamentofthenobleWifeofAsanAgaCANTATAS。
IdyllRinaldoTheFirstWalpurgis-NightODES。
ThreeOdestomyFriendMahomet’sSongSpiritSongovertheWatersMyGoddessWinterJourneyovertheHartzMountainsToFatherKronos。WritteninaPost-chaiseTheWanderer’sStormSongTheSea-VoyageTheEagleandDovePrometheusGanymedeTheBoundariesofHumanityTheGodlikeMISCELLANEOUSPOEMS。
TheGermanParnassus。
Lily’sMenagerieToCharlotteLove’sDistressesTheMusagetesMorningLamentTheVisitTheMagicNetTheGobletTotheGrasshopper。AfterAnacreonFromtheSorrowsofYoungWertherTrilogyofPassion：？
I。ToWertherII。ElegyIII。AtonementTheRemembranceoftheGoodWhenIwasstillayouthfulWightForEverFromanAlbumof1604
LinesonseeingSchiller’sSkullRoyalPrayerHumanFeelingsOntheDivanHansSachs’PoeticalMissionSONNETS。
TheFriendlyMeetingInaWordTheMaidenSpeaksGrowthFoodinTravelDepartureTheLovingOneWrites。
TheLovingOneoncemoreSheCannotEndNemesisTheChristmasBoxTheWarningTheEpochsTheDoubtersandtheLoversCharadeEPIGRAMS。
ToOriginalsTheSoldier’sConsolationGenialImpulseNeitherthisnorthatThewaytobehaveThebestAsbroadasit’slongTheRuleofLifeThesame，expandedCalmatSeaTheProsperousVoyageCourageMyonlyPropertyAdmonitionOldAgeEpitaphRulesforMonarchsPaulopostfuturiTheFool’sEpiloguePARABLES。
JoyExplanationofanantiqueGemCat-PieLegendAuthorsTheCriticTheDilettanteandtheCriticTheWranglerTheYelpersTheStork’sVocationCelebrityPlayingatPriestsSongsPoetryAParableShoulde’erthelovelessdayremainAPlantheMusesentertainedTheDeathoftheFlyBytheRiverTheFoxandCraneTheFoxandHuntsmanTheFrogsTheWeddingBurialThreateningSignsTheBuyersTheMountainVillageSymbolsThreePalinodias：——
I。TheSmokethatfromthineAltarblows。
II。ConflictofWitandBeautyIII。RainandRainbow。
ValedictionTheCountrySchoolmasterTheLegendoftheHorseshoeASymbolART。
TheDropsofNectarTheWandererILoveasaLandscapePainterGOD，SOUL，ANDWORLD。
RhymedDistichsProoemionTheMetamorphosisofPlantsPROVERBS
TAMEXENIA
RELIGIONANDCHURCH。
ThoughtsonJesusChrist’sdescentintoHellANTIQUES。
Leopold，DukeofBrunswickTotheHusbandmanAnacreon’sGraveTheBrethrenMeasureofTimeWarningSolitudeTheChosenCliffTheConsecratedSpotTheInstructorsTheUnequalMarriage。
ExcuseSakontalaTheMuse’sMirrorPhoebusandHermesTheNewAmorTheGarlandsTheSwissAlpsDistichsVENETIANEPIGRAMS。
ELEGIES。
RomanElegiesAlexisandDoraHermannandDorotheaWEST-EASTERNDIVAN。
I。Minstrel’sBook：——
TalismansTheFourFavoursDiscordSongandStructureII。BookofHafis：——
TheUnlimitedToHafisIII。BookofLove：——
TheTypesOnePairMoreLove’sTormentsIV。BookofContemplation：——
FiveThingsForWomanFirdusiSuleikaV。BookofGloom：——
ItisaFaultVI。BookofProverbsVII。BookofTimur：——
TheWinterandTimurToSuleikaVIII。BookofSuleika：——
Suleika’sLoveHatemSuleikaLoveforLoveHatemTheLovingOnespeaksTheLovingOneagainThesetuftedBranchesfairSuleikaTheSublimeTypeSuleikaTheReunionSuleikaInthousandformsIX。TheConvivialBook：——
CantheKoranfromEternitybe？
Ye’veoftenforourDrunkennessX。BookofParables：——
FromHeaventherefelluponthefoamingwaveBulbul’sSongIntheKoranwithstrangedelight。
AllkindsofMen。
ItisgoodXI。BookoftheParsees：——
TheBequestoftheancientPersianfaithXII。BookofParadise：
ThePrivilegedMenThefavouredBeastsTheSevenSleepersSONGSFROMVARIOUSPLAYS，ETC。
FromFaust：——
DedicationPrologueinHeavenChorusofAngelsChorusofSpiritsMargaretatherSpinningWheelGardenSceneMargaret’sSongFromFaust腜artII。：——
Ariel’sSongandChorusofSpiritsScenethelastFromIphigeniainTauris：——
SongoftheFatesFromGotzvonBerlichingen：——
Liebetraut’sSongFromEgmont：——
ClaraandBrackenburg’sSongClara’sSongFromWilhelmMeister’sApprenticeship：——
WhonevereatwithtearshisbreadWhogiveshimselftoSolitudeMyGriefnoMortalsknowSingnomoreinmournfultonesEpiloguetoSchiller’sSongoftheBellL’ENVOI
THEPOEMSOFGOETHE。
DEDICATION。
Themornarrived。hisfootstepquicklyscaredThegentlesleepthatroundmysensesclung，AndI，awak’ning，frommycottagefared，Andupthemountainsidewithlightheartsprung。
AteverystepIfeltmygazeensnaredBynew-bornflow’rsthatfullofdew-dropshung。
Theyouthfuldayawokewithecstacy，Andallthingsquicken’dwere，toquickenme。
AndasImounted，fromthevalleyroseAstreakymist，thatupwardslowlyspread，Thenbent，asthoughmyformitwouldenclose，Then，asonpinions，soar’dabovemyhead：
Mygazecouldnowonnofairviewrepose，inmournfulveilconceal’d，theworldseem’ddead。
Thecloudssoonclosedaroundme，asatomb，AndIwasleftaloneintwilightgloom。
Atoncethesunhislustreseem’dtopour，Andthroughthemistwasseenaradiantlight。
Heresankitgentlytothegroundoncemore，Therepartedit，andclimb’do’erwoodandheight。
HowdidIyearntogreethimasofyore，Afterthedarknesswaxingdoublybright！
Theairyconflictofttimeswasrenew’d，ThenblindedbyadazzlingglowIstood。
ErelonganinwardimpulsepromptedmeAhastyglancewithboldnessroundtothrow。
Atfirstmineeyeshadscarcelystrengthtosee，Forallaroundappear’dtoburnandglow。
ThensawI，onthecloudsbornegracefully，Agodlikewomanhov’ringtoandfro。
InlifeIne’erhadseenaformsofair——
Shegazedatme，andstillshehover’dthere。
Dostthounotknowme？werethewordsshesaidIntoneswhereloveandfaithweresweetlybound。
KnowestthounotHerwhooftentimeshathshedThepurestbalsamineachearthlywound？
Thouknows’tmewell。thypantingheartIledTojoinmeinabondwithrapturecrown’d。
DidInotseethee，whenastripling，yearningTowelcomemewithtears，heartfeltandburning？
Yes！Iexclaim’d，whilst，overcomewithjoy，Isanktoearth。Ilonghaveworshipp’dthee。
Thougav’stmerest，whenpassionsrack’dtheboy，Pervadingev’rylimbunceasingly。
Thyheav’nlypinionsthoudidstthenemployThescorchingsunbeamstowardofffromme。
FromtheealoneEarth’sfairestgiftsIgain’d，Throughtheealone，trueblisscanbeobtain’d。
ThynameIknownot。yetIheartheenam’dBymanyaonewhoboaststheeashisown。
Eacheyebelievesthattow’rdthyform’tisaim’d，Yettomosteyesthyraysareanguish-sown。
Ah！whilstIerr’d，fullmanyafriendIclaim’d，NowthatIknowthee，Iamleftalone。
WithbutmyselfcanImyraptureshare，Ineedsmustveilandhidethyradiancefair。
Shesmiled，andansweringsaid：Thousee’sthowwise，Howprudent’twasbutlittletounveil！
Scarcefromtheclumsiestcheatareclear’dthineeyes，Scarcehastthoustrengththychildishbarstoscale，Whenthoudostrankthee’mongstthedeities，Andsoman’sdutiestoperformwould’stfail！
Howdostthoudifferfromallothermen？
Livewiththeworldinpeace，andknowtheethen！
Oh，pardonme，Icried，Imeantitwell：
Notvainlydid’stthoublessmineeyeswithlight。
Forinmybloodgladaspirationsswell，ThevalueofthygiftsIknowaright！
Thosetreasuresinmybreastforothersdwell，TheburiedpoundnomoreI’llhidefromsight。
WhydidIseektheroadsoanxiously，Ifhiddenfrommybrethren’tweretobe？
AndasIanswer’d，tow’rdmeturn’dherface，Withkindlysympathy，thatgod-likeone。
WithinhereyefullplainlycouldItraceWhatIhadfail’din，andwhatrightlydone。
Shesmiled，andcuredmewiththatsmile’ssweetgrace，Tonew-bornjoysmyspiritsoar’danon。
WithinwardconfidenceInowcoulddareTodrawyetcloser，andobserveherthere。
Throughthelightcloudshethenstretch’dforthherhand，Asiftobidthestreakyvapourfly：
Atonceitseemedtoyieldtohercommand，Contracted，andnomistthenmetmineeye。
Myglanceoncemoresurvey’dthesmilingland，Uncloudedandsereneappear’dthesky。
Noughtbutaveilofpurestwhitesheheld，Androundherinathousandfoldsitswell’d。
Iknowthee，andIknowthywav’ringwill。
Iknowthegoodthatlivesandglowsinthee！——
Thusspakeshe，andmethinksIhearherstill——
Theprizelongdestined，nowreceivefromme。
Thatblestonewillbesafefromev’ryill，Whotakesthisgiftwithsoulofpurity，——
TheveilofMinstrelsyfromTruth’sownhand，Ofsunlightandofmorn’ssweetfragranceplann’d。
Andwhenthouandthyfriendsatfiercenoon-dayAreparchedwithheat，straightcastitintheair！
ThenZephyr’scoolingbreathwillroundyouplay，Distillingbalmandflowers’sweetincensethere。
Thetonesofearthlywoewilldieaway，Thegravebecomeabedofcloudssofair，Tosingtorestlife’sbillowswillbeseen，Thedaybelovely，andthenightserene——
Come，then，myfriends！andwhensoe’eryefindUponyourwayincreaselife’sheavyload。
Ifbyfresh-waken’dblessingsflowersaretwin’dAroundyourpath，andgoldenfruitsbestow’d，We’llseekthecomingdaywithjoyousmind！
Thusblest，we’lllive，thuswanderonourroadAndwhenourgrandsonssorrowo’erourtomb，Ourlove，togladtheirbosoms，stillshallbloom。
SONGS——
Lateresoundstheearlystrain。
Wealandwoeinsongremain——
SOUND，SWEETSONG。
SOUND，sweetsong，fromsomefarland，Sighingsoftlycloseathand，Nowofjoy，andnowofwoe！
Starsarewonttoglimmerso。
Soonerthuswillgoodunfold。
ChildrenyoungandchildrenoldGladlyhearthynumbersflow。
1820。*——
*Inthecasesinwhichthedateismarkedthus*，itsignifiestheoriginaldateofpublication——theyearofcompositionnotbeingknown。Inothercases，thedategivenisthatoftheactualcomposition。AllthepoemsarearrangedintheorderoftherecognisedGermaneditions——
TOTHEKINDREADER。
NoonetalksmorethanaPoet。
Fainhe’dhavethepeopleknowit。
Praiseorblameheeverloves。
Noneinproseconfessanerror，Yetwedoso，voidofterror，IntheMuses’silentgroves。
WhatIerr’din，whatcorrected，WhatIsuffer’d，whateffected，Tothiswreathasflow’rsbelong。
Fortheaged，andtheyouthful，Andthevicious，andthetruthful，Allarefairwhenviewedinsong。
1800。*——
THENEWAMADIS。
INmyboyhood’sdayssodrearIwaskeptconfined。
ThereIsatformanyayear，AllaloneIpined，Aswithinthewomb。
Yetthoudrov’stawaymygloom，Goldenphantasy！
Ibecameaherotrue，LikethePrincePipi，Andtheworldroam’dthrough，Manyacrystalpalacebuilt，Crush’dthemwithlikeart，AndtheDragon’slife-bloodspiltWithmyglitt’ringdart。
Yes！Iwasaman！
NextIformedtheknightlyplanPrincessFishtofree。
Shewasmuchtoocomplaisant，Kindlywelcomedme，——
AndIwasgallant。
Heav’nlybreadherkissesproved，Glowingasthewine。
AlmostuntodeathIloved。
Sun-sappearedtoshineInherdazzlingcharms。
Whohathtornherfromminearms？
CouldnomagicbandMakeherinherflightdelay？
Say，wherenowherland？
Where，alas，theway？
1775。*——
WHENTHEFOXDIES，HISSKINCOUNTS。*
*Thenameofagame，knowninEnglishasJack’salight。
WEyoungpeopleintheshadeSatonesultryday。
Cupidcame，andDiestheFox
Withussoughttoplay。
EachoneofmyfriendsthensatByhismistressdear。
Cupid，blowingoutthetorch，Said：Thetaper’shere！
ThenwequicklysentaroundTheexpiringbrand。
Eachoneputithastilylnhisneighbour’shand。
Dorilisthengaveitme，Withascoffingjest。
Suddenintoflameitbroke，Bymyfingerspress’d。
Anditsingedmyeyesandface，Setmybreastonfire。
ThenabovemyheadtheblazeMountedeverhigher。
VainIsoughttoputitout。
Everburnedtheflame。
Steadofdying，soontheFoxLivelierstillbecame。
1770——
THEHEATHROSE。
ONCEaboyaRosebudspied，Heathrosefairandtender，Allarray’dinyouthfulpride，——
Quicklytothespothehied，Ravishedbyhersplendour。
Rosebud，rosebud，rosebudred，Heathrosefairandtender！
Saidtheboy，I’llnowpickthee，Heathrosefairandtender！
Saidtherosebud，I’llprickthee，Sothatthou’ltrememberme，Ne’erwillIsurrender！
Rosebud，rosebud，rosebudred，Heathrosefairandtender！
NowthecruelboymustpickHeathrosefairandtender。
Rosebuddidherbesttoprick，——
Vain’twas’gainstherfatetokick——
Shemustneedssurrender。
Rosebud，rosebud，rosebudred，Heathrosefairandtender！
1779。*——
BLINDMAN’SBUFF。
OH，myTheresadear！
Thineeyes，Igreatlyfear，Canthroughthebandagesee！
Althoughthineeyesarebound，BytheeI’mquicklyfound，Andwhereforeshouldstthoucatchbutme？
Erelongthouheld’stmefast，Witharmsaroundmecast，UponthybreastIfell。
Scarcewasthybandagegone，Whenallmyjoywasflown，Thoucoldlydidsttheblindrepel。
Hegropedonev’ryside，Hislimbshesorelytried，Whilescoffsaroseallround。
Ifthounolovewiltgive，InsadnessIshalllive，Asifmineeyesremain’dstillbound。
1770——
CHRISTEL。
Mysensesofttimesareoppress’d，Oftstagnantismyblood。
ButwhenbyChristel’ssightI’mblest，Ifeelmystrengthrenew’d。
Iseeherhere，Iseeherthere，AndreallycannottellThemannerhow，thewhen，thewhere，ThewhyIloveherwell。
IfwiththemerestglanceIviewHerblackandroguisheyes，Andgazeonherblackeyebrowstoo，Myspiritupwardflies。
Hasanyoneamouthsosweet，Suchlove-roundcheeksasshe？
Ah，whentheeyeherbeautiesmeet，Itne’ercontentcanbe。
AndwheninairyGermandanceIclaspherformdivine，Soquickwewhirl，soquickadvance，Whatrapturethenlikemine！
Andwhenshe’sgiddy，andfeelswarm，Icradleher，poorthing，Uponmybreast，andinminearm，——
I’mthenaveryking！
Andwhenshelookswithloveonme，Forgettingallbutthis，Whenpress’dagainstmybosom，sheExchangeskissforkiss，Allthroughmymarrowrunsathrill，Runse’enmyfootalong！
Ifeelsowell，Ifeelsoill，Ifeelsoweak，sostrong！
Wouldthatsuchmomentsne’erwouldend！
Thedayne’erlongIfind。
CouldIthenighttoowithherspend，E’enthatIshouldnotmind。
Ifshewereinminearmsbutheld，Toquenchlove’sthirstI’dtry。
Andcouldmytormentsnotbequell’d，Uponherbreastwoulddie。
1776。*——
THECOYONE。
ONESpring-morningbrightandfair，Roam’dashepherdessandsang。
Youngandbeauteous，freefromcare，Throughthefieldsherclearnotesrang：
So，Ia，Ia！leralla，&c。
OfhislambssometwoorthreeThyrsisoffer’dforakiss。
Firstsheeyedhimroguishly，Thenforanswersangbutthis：
So，Ia，Ia！leralla，&c。
Ribbonsdidthenextoneoffer，Andthethird，hisheartsotrueBut，aswiththelambs，thescofferLaugh’datheartandribbonstoo，——
Still’twasIa！leralla，&c。
1791——
THECONVERT。
AsatsunsetIwasstrayingSilentlythewoodalong，Damononhisflutewasplaying，Andtherocksgavebackthesong，Sola，Ia！&c。
Softlytow’rdshimthenhedrewme。
Sweeteachkisshegavemethen！
AndIsaid，Playoncemoretome！
Andhekindlyplay’dagain，Sola，la！&c。
Allmypeaceforayehasfleeted，Allmyhappinesshasflown。
YetmyearsareevergreetedWiththatolden，blissfultone，Sola，la！&c。
1791——
PRESERVATION。
Mymaidensheprovedfalsetome。
TohatealljoysIsoonbegan，ThentoaflowingstreamIran，——
Thestreamranpastmehastily。
TherestoodIfix’d，inmutedespair。
Myheadswamroundasinadream。
Iwell-nighfellintothestream，Andearthseem’dwithmewhirlingthere。
SuddenIheardavoicethatcried——
Ihadjustturn’dmyfacefromthence——
Itwasavoicetocharmeachsense：
Beware，fordeepisyondertide！
Athrillmybloodpervadednow，Ilook’dandsawabeauteousmaidIaskedhername——twasKate，shesaid——
OhlovelyKate！howkindartthou！
FromdeathIhavebeensav’dbythee，’TisthroughtheeonlythatIlive。
Little’twerelifealonetogive，Myjoyinlifethendeigntobe！
AndthenItoldmysorrowso’er，Hereyestoearthshesweetlythrew。
Ikiss’dher，andshekiss’dmetoo，And——thenItalkedofdeathnomore。
1775。*——
THEMUSES’SON。
[GoethequotesthebeginningofthissonginhisAutobiography，asexpressingthemannerinwhichhispoeticaleffusionsusedtopouroutfromhim。]
THROUGHfieldandwoodtostray，Andpipemytunefullay，——
’Tisthusmydaysarepass’d。
Andallkeeptunewithme，Andmoveinharmony，Andsoon，tothelast。
TowaitIscarcehavepowerThegarden’searliestflower，Thetree’sfirstbloominSpring。
Theyhailmyjoyousstrain，——
WhenWintercomesagain，OfthatsweetdreamIsing。
Mysongsoundsfarandnear，O’ericeitechoesclear，ThenWinterblossomsbright。
Andwhenhisblossomsfly，Freshrapturesmeetmineeye，Uponthewell-till’dheight。
When’neaththelindentree，YoungfolksIchancetosee，Isetthemmovingsoon。
Hisnosethedullladcurls，Theformalmaidenwhirls，Obedienttomytune。
Wingstothefeetyelend，O’erhillandvaleyesendTheloverfarfromhome。
WhenshallI，onyourbreast，。
Yekindlymuses，rest，Andceaseatlengthtoroam？
1800。*——
FOUND。
ONCEthroughtheforestAloneIwent。
ToseekfornothingMythoughtswerebent。
Isawi’theshadowAflowerstandthereAsstarsitglisten’d，Aseyes’twasfair。
Isoughttopluckit，——
Itgentlysaid：
ShallIbegather’dOnlytofade？
WithallitsrootsIdugitwithcare，AndtookithomeTomygardenfair。
InsilentcornerSoonitwasset。
Theregrowsitever，Therebloomsityet。
1815。*——
LIKEANDLIKE。
AFAIRbell-flowerSprangtipfromtheground。
AndearlyitsfragranceItshedallaround。
AbeecamethitherAndsipp’dfromitsbell。
ThattheyforeachotherWeremade，weseewell。
1814——
RECIPROCALINVITATIONTOTHEDANCE。
THEINDIFFERENT。
COMEtothedancewithme，comewithme，fairone！
Dancesafeast-daylikethismaywellcrown。
Ifthoumysweetheartartnot，thoucanstbeso，Butifthouwiltnot，westillwilldanceon。
Cometothedancewithme，comewithme，fairone！
Dancesafeast-daylikethismaywellcrown。
THETENDER。
Lovedone，withoutthee，whatthenwouldallfeastbe？
Sweetone，withoutthee，whatthenwerethedance？
Ifthoumysweetheartwertnot，Iwoulddancenot。
Ifthouartstillso，alllifeisonefeast。
Lovedone，withoutthee，whatthenwouldallfeastsbe？
Sweetone，withoutthee，whatthenwerethedance？
THEINDIFFERENT。
Letthembutlove，then，andleaveusthedancing！
Languishinglovecannotbearthegladdance。
Letuswhirlroundinthewaltz’sgaymeasure，Andletthemstealtothedim-lightedwood。
Letthembutlove，then，andleaveusthedancing！
Languishinglovecannotbearthegladdance。
THETENDER。
Letthemwhirlround，then，andleaveustowander！
Wand’ringtoloveisaheavenlydance。
Cupid，thenearone，o’erhearstheirderiding，Vengeancetakessuddenly，vengeancetakessoon。
Letthemwhirlround，then，andleaveustowander！
Wand’ringtoloveisaheavenlydance。
1789。*——
SELF-DECEIT。
Myneighbour’scurtain，wellIsee，Ismovingtoandfin。
Nodoubtshe’slist’ningeagerly，IfI’mathomeorno。
AndifthejealousgrudgeIboreAndopenlyconfess’d，Isnourish’dbymeasbefore，Withinmyinmostbreast。
Alas！nofanciessuchastheseE’ercross’dthedearchild’sthoughts。
Isee’tisbuttheev’ningbreezeThatwiththecurtainsports。
1803——
DECLARATIONOFWAR。
OH，wouldIresembledThecountrygirlsfair，Whorosy-redribbonsAndyellowhatswear！
TobelieveIwasprettyIthoughtwasallow’d。
InthetownIbelieveditWhenbytheyouthvow’d。
NowthatSpringhathreturn’d，Allmyjoysdisappear。
ThegirlsofthecountryHaveluredhimfromhere。
Tochangedressandfigure，WasneedfulIfound，Mybodiceislonger，Mypetticoatround。
Myhatnowisyellow。
Mybodicelikesnow。
TheclovertosickleWithothersIgo。
Somethingpretty，e’erlongMidstthetroopheexplores。
TheeagerboysignsmeTogowithindoors。
Ibashfullygo，——
WhoIam，hecan’ttrace。
Hepinchesmycheeks，Andhelooksinmyface。
ThetowngirlnowthreatensYoumaidenswithwar。
Hertwofoldcharmspledges。
Ofvictoryare。
1803——
LOVERINALLSHAPES。
Tobelikeafish，Briskandquick，ismywish。
Ifthoucam’stwiththyline。
Thouwouldstsoonmakemethine。
Tobelikeafish，Briskandquick，ismywish。
Oh，wereIasteed！
Thouwouldstlovemeindeed。
Oh，wereIacarFittobeartheeafar！
Oh，wereIasteed！
Thouwouldstlovemeindeed。
IwouldIweregoldThatthyfingersmighthold！
Ifthouboughtestaughtthen，I’dreturnsoonagain。
IwouldIweregoldThatthyfingersmighthold！
IwouldIweretrue，Andmysweetheartstillnew！
TobefaithfulI’dswear，Andwouldgoawayne’er。
IwouldIweretrue，Andmysweetheartstillnew！
IwouldIwereold，Andwrinkledandcold，Sothatifthousaid’stNo，Icouldstandsuchablow！
IwouldIwereold，Andwrinkledandcold。
AnapeIwouldbe，Fullofmischievousglee。
Ifaughtcametovexthee，I’dplagueandperplexthee。
AnapeIwouldbe，FullofmischievousgleeAsalambI’dbehave，Asalionbebrave，Asalynxclearlysee，Asafoxcunningbe。
AsalambI’dbehave，Asalionbebrave。
WhateverIwere，AllontheeI’dconfer。
WiththegiftsofaprinceMyaffectionevince。
WhateverIwere，AllontheeI’dconfer。
Asnoughtdiff’rentcanmakeme，AsIamthoumusttakeme！
IfI’mnotgoodenough，Thoumustcutthineownstuff。
Asnoughtdiff’rentcanmakeme，AsIamthoumusttakeme！
1815。*