THERECKONING。
LEADER。
LETnocaresnowhovero’erusLetthewineunsparingrun！
Wiltthouswellourmerrychorus？
Hastthouallthydutydone？
SOLO。
Twoyoungfolks——thethingiscurious——
Lovedeachother。yesterdayBothquitemild，to-dayquitefurious，Nextday，quitethedeucetopay！
Ifherneckshetherewasstooping，Hemusthereneedspullhishair。
Irevivedtheirspiritsdrooping，Andthey’renowahappypair。
CHORUS。
Surelyweforwinemaylanguish！
Letthebumperthengoround！
ForallsighsandgroansofanguishThouto-dayinjoyhastdrown’d。
SOLO。
Why，youngorphan，allthiswailing？
WouldtoheaventhatIweredead！
Formyguardian’scraftprevailingSoonwillmakemebegmybread。
Knowingwelltherascalgenus，IntocourtIdragg’dtheknave。
Fairthejudgeswerebetweenus，Andthemaiden’swealthdidsave。
CHORUS。
Surelyweforwinemaylanguish！
Letthebumperthengoround！
ForallsighsandgroansofanguishThouto-dayinjoyhastdrown’d。
SOLO。
Toalittlefellow，quiet，Unpretendingandsubdued，Hasabigclown，runningriot，Beento-dayextremelyrude。
Ibethoughtmeofmyduty，Andmycourageswell’dapace，SoIspoil’dtherascal’sbeauty，Slashinghimacrosstheface。
CHORUS。
Surelyweforwinemaylanguish！
Letthebumperthengoround！
ForallsighsandgroansofanguishThouto-dayinjoyhastdrown’d。
SOLO。
Briefmustbemyexplanation，ForIreallyhavedonenought。
Freefromtroubleandvexation，Ialandlord’sbusinessbought。
ThereI’vedone，withalldueardour，Allthatdutyorder’dme。
Eachoneask’dmeforthelarder，Andtherewasnoscarcity。
CHORUS。
Surelyweforwinemaylanguish！
Letthebumperthengoround！
ForallsighsandgroansofanguishThouto-dayinjoyhastdrown’d。
LEADER。
EachshouldthusmakeproclamationOfwhathedidwellto-day！
That’sthematchwhoseconflagrationShouldinflameourtunefullay。
LetitbeourprecepteverToadmitnowavererhere！
Fortoactthegoodendeavour，Nonebutrascalsmeekappear。
CHORUS。
Surelyweforwinemaylanguish！
Letthebumperthengoround！
ForallsighsandgroansofanguishWehavenowinrapturedrown’d。
TRIO。
Leteachmerryminstrelenter，He’srightwelcometoourhall！
’Tisbutwiththeself膖ormentorThatwearenotliberal。
Forwefearthathiscaprices，Thathiseye-browsdarkandsad，ThathisgriefthatneverceasesHideanemptyheart，orbad。
CHORUS。
Noonenowforwineshalllanguish！
Herenominstrelshallbefound，Whoallsighsandgroansofanguish，Hasnotfirstinrapturedrown’d！
1810——
ERGOBIBAMUS！
FORapraiseworthyobjectwe’renowgather’dhere，So，brethren，sing：ERGOBIBAMUS！
Tho’talkmaybehush’d，yettheglassesringclear，Rememberthen：ERGOBIBAMUS！
Intruth’tisanold，’tisanexcellentword，Withitssoundsobefittingeachbosomisstirr’d，Andanechothefestalhallfillingisheard，AgloriousERGOBIBAMUS！
Isawmineownloveinherbeautysorare，Andbethoughtmeof：ERGOBIBAMUS。
SoIgentlyapproach’d，andsheletmestandthere，WhileIhelp’dmyself，thinking：BIBAMUS！
Andwhenshe’sappeased，andwillclaspyouandkiss，Orwhenthoseembracesandkissesyemiss，Takerefuge，tillsoundissomeworthierbliss，InthecomfortingERGOBIBAMUS！
Iamcall’dbymyfatefarawayfromeachfriend。
Yelovedones，then：ERGOBIBAMUS！
Withwalletlight-ladenfromhenceImustwend。
SodoubleourERGOBIBAMUS！
Whate’ertohistreasurestheniggardmayadd，Yetregardforthejoyouswilleverbehad，Forgladnesslendsoveritscharmstotheglad，So，brethren，sing。ERGOBIBAMUS！
Andwhatshallwesayofto-dayasitflies？
Ithoughtbutof：ERGOBIBAMUS
’Tisoneofthosetrulythatseldomarise，Soagainandagainsing：BIBAMUS！
Forjoythroughawide-openportalitguides，Brightglittertheclouds，asthecurtaindivides，Anaform，adivineone，togreetusinglides，Whilewethunderour：ERGOBIBAMUS！
1810——
EPIPHANIAS。
THEthreeholykingswiththeirstar’sbrightray，——
Theyeatandtheydrink，buthadrathernotpay。
Theyliketoeatanddrinkaway，Theyeatanddrink，buthadrathernotpay。
Thethreeholykingshaveallcomehere，Innumbernotfour，butthreetheyappear。
Andifafourthjoin’dtheotherthree，Increasedbyonetheirnumberwouldbe。
ThefirstamI，——thefairandthewhite，Ioughttobeseenwhenthesunshinesbright！
But，alas！withallmyspicesandmyrrh，Nogirlnowlikesme，——Ipleasenother。
ThenextamI，——thebrownandthelong，Knownwelltowomen，knownwelltosong。
Insteadofspices，’tisgoldIbear，AndsoI’mwelcomeeverywhere。
ThelastamI，——theblackandsmall，Andfainwouldberightmerrywithal。
Iliketoeatandtodrinkfullmeasure，Ieatanddrink，andgivethankswithpleasure。
Thethreeholykingsarefriendlyandmild，TheyseektheMother，andseektheChild。
ThepiousJosephissittingby，Theoxandtheassontheirlitterlie。
We’rebringinggold，we’rebringingmyrrh，Thewomenincensealwaysprefer。
Andifwehavewineofaworthygrowth，Wethreetodrinklikesixarenotloth。
Ashereweseefairladsandlasses，Butnotasignofoxenorasses，WeknowthatwehavegoneastrayAndsogofurtheronourway——
BALLADS——
Poet’sartiseverableToendowwithtruthmerefable——
MIGNON。
[ThisuniversallyknownpoemisalsotobefoundinWilhelmMeister。]
KNOW’STthouthelandwherethefaircitronblows，Wherethebrightorangemidstthefoliageglows，Wheresoftwindsgreetusfromtheazureskies，Wheresilentmyrtles，statelylaurelsrise，Know’stthouitwell？
’Tisthere，’tisthere，ThatIwiththee，belovedone，wouldrepair。
Know’stthouthehouse？Oncolumnsrestsitspile，Itshallsaregleaming，anditschamberssmile，Andmarblestatuesstandandgazeonme：
Poorchild！whatsorrowhathbefallenthee？
Know’stthouitwell？
’Tisthere，’tisthere，ThatIwiththee，protector，wouldrepair！
Know’stthouthemountain，anditscloudybridge？
Themulecanscarcelyfindthemistyridge。
Incavernsdwellsthedragon’soldenbrood，Thefrowningcragobstructstheragingflood。
Know’stthouitwell？
’Tisthere，’tisthere，Ourpathlies——Father——thither，ohrepair！
1795。*——
THEMINSTREL。
[ThisfinepoemisintroducedinthesecondbookofWilhelmMeister。]
WHATtunefulstrainssalutemineearWithoutthecastlewalls？
Oh，letthesongre-echohere，Withinourfestalhalls！
Thusspaketheking，thepageout-hied。
Theboyreturn’d。themonarchcried：
Admittheoldmanyonder！
Allhail，yenoblelordsto-night！
Allhail，yebeauteousdames！
Starplacedbystar！Whatheavenlysight！
Whoe’ercantelltheirnames？
Withinthisglitteringhallsublime，Beclosed，mineeyes！’tisnotthetimeFormetofeastmywonder。
Theminstrelstraightwayclosedhiseyes，Andwokeathrillingtone。
Theknightslook’doninknightlyguise，Fairlookstow’rdearthwerethrown。
Themonarch，ravish’dbythestrain，Badethembringforthagoldenchain，Tobehisnumbers’guerdon。
Thegoldenchaingivenottome，ButgivethechaintothoseInwhoseboldfaceweshiver’dseeThelancesofourfoes。
Orgiveittothychancellorthere。
WithotherburdenshemaybearThisonemoregoldenburden。
Ising，likebirdsofblithesomenote，Thatinthebranchesdwell。
ThesongthatrisesfromthethroatRepaystheminstrelwell。
OneboonI’dcrave，ifnottoobold——
OnebumperinacupofgoldBeasmyguerdongiven。
Thebowlheraised，thebowlhequaff’d：
Ohdrink，withsolacefraught！
Oh，housethrice-blest，wheresuchadraughtAtriflinggiftisthought！
WhenFortunesmiles，rememberme，AndasIthankyouheartily，AswarmlythankyeHeaven！
1795。*——
BALLAD
OFTHEBANISHEDANDRETURNINGCOUNT。
[GoethebegantowriteanoperacalledLowenstuhl，foundedupontheoldtraditionwhichformsthesubjectofthisBallad，buthenevercarriedouthisdesign。]
OH，enteroldminstrel，thoutime-honour’done！
Wechildrenarehereinthehallallalone，Theportalswestraightwaywillbar。
Ourmotherispraying，ourfatherisgoneTotheforest，onwolvestomakewar。
Ohsingusaballad，thetalethenrepeat，’TillbrotherandIlearnitright。
Welonghavebeenhopingaminstreltomeet，Forchildrenheartaleswithdelight。
Atmidnight，whendarknessitsfearfulveilweaves，Hisloftyandstatelyoldcastleheleaves，Butfirsthehasburiedhiswealth。
Whatfigureisthatinhisarmsoneperceives，AstheCountquitsthegatewaybystealth？
O’erwhatishismantlesohastilythrown？
Whatbearshealonginhisflight？
Adaughteritis，andshegentlysleepson——
Thechildrentheyhearwithdelight。
Themorningsoonglimmers。theworldissowide，Invalleysandforestsahomeissupplied，Thebardineachvillageischeer’d。
Thuslivesheandwanders，whileyearsonwardglide，Andlongerstillwaxeshisbeard。
Butthemaidensofairinhisarmsgrowsamain，’Neathherstarall-protectingandbright，Securedinthemantlefromwindandfromrain——
Thechildrentheyhearwithdelight。
Andyearuponyearwithswiftfootstepnowsteals，Themantleitfades，manyrentsitreveals，Themaidennomoreitcanhold。
Thefatherheseesher，whatrapturehefeels！
Hisjoycannotnowbecontroll’d。
Howworthysheseemsoftheracewhenceshesprings，Hownobleandfairtothesight！
Whatwealthtoherdearly-lovedfathershebrings！——
Thechildrentheyhearwithdelight。
Thencomesthereaprincelyknightgallopingby，Shestretchesherhandout，assoonashe’snigh，Butalmsherefusestogive。
Heseizesherhand，withasmileinhiseye：
’Thouartmine！’heexclaims，’whileIlive！’
’Whenthouknow’st，’criestheoldman，’thetreasurethat’sthere，Aprincessthou’ltmakeherofright。
Betroth’dbeshenow，onthisspotgreenandfair——’
Thechildrentheyhearwithdelight。
Soshe’sbless’dbythepriestonthehallowedplace，Andshegoeswithasmilingbutsorrowfulface，Fromherfathershefainwouldnotpart。
Theoldmanstillwanderswithne’er-changingpace，Hecoverswithjoyhissadheart。
SoIthinkofmydaughter，asyearspassaway，Andmygrandchildrenfarfrommysight。
Iblessthembynight，andIblessthembyday——
Thechildrentheyhearwithdelight。
Heblessesthechildren：aknockingtheyhear，Thefatheritis！Theyspringforwardinfear，Theoldmantheycannotconceal——
Thoubeggar，wouldstlure，then，mychildrensodear？
Straightseizehim，yevassalsofsteel！
Tothedungeonmostdeep，withthefool-hardyknave！
Themotherfromfarhearsthefight。
Shehastenswithflatt’ringentreatytocrave——
Thechildrentheyhearwithdelight。
ThevassalstheysuffertheBardtostandthere，Andmotherandchildrenimplorehimtospare，Theproudprincewouldstiflehisire，’Tilldriventofuryathearingtheirprayer，Hissmoulderingangertakesfire：
Thoupitifulrace！Oh，thoubeggarlycrew！
Eclipsingmystar，oncesobright！
Ye’llbringmedestruction，yesorelyshallrue！
Thechildrentheyhearwithaffright。
Theoldmanstillstandstherewithdignifiedmien，Thevassalsofsteelquakebeforehim，Iween，TheCount’sfuryincreasesinpower。
Myweddedexistenceacurselonghasbeen，Andthesearethefruitsfromthatflower！
’Tiseverdenied，andthesayingistrue，Thattowedwiththebase-bornisright。
Thebeggarhasbornemeabeggarlycrew，——
Thechildrentheyhearwithaffright。
Ifthehusband，thefather，thustreatsyouwithscorn，Iftheholiestbondsbyhimrashlyaretorn，Thencometoyourfather——tome！
Thebeggarmaygladdenlife’spathwayforlorn，Thoughagedandweakhemaybe。
Thiscastleismine！thouhastmadeitthyprey，Thypeople’twasputmetoflight。
ThetokensIbearwillconfirmwhatIsay——
Thechildrentheyhearwithdelight。
Thekingwhoerstgovern’dreturnethagain，AndrestorestotheFaithfulthegoodsthatwereta’en，I’llunsealallmytreasuresthewhile。
Thelawsshallbegentle，andpeacefulthereign——
Theoldmanthuscrieswithasmile——
Takecourage，myson！allhathturnedoutforgood，Andeachhathastarthatisbright，Thosetheprincesshathbornetheeareprincelyinblood，——
Thechildrenthyhearwithdelight。
1816——
THEVIOLET。
UPONthemeadavioletstood，Retiring，andofmodestmood，Intruth，avioletfair。
Thencameayouthfulshepherdess，Androam’dwithsprightlyjoyousness，Andblithelywoo’dWithcarolssweettheairAh！thoughttheviolet，hadIbeenForbutthesmallestmomente’enNature’smostbeauteousflower，’Tillgather’dbymylove，andpress’d，Whenweary，’gainsthergentlebreast，Fore’en，fore’enOnequarterofanhour！
Alas！alas！themaiddrewnigh，Thevioletfailedtomeethereye，Shecrush’dthevioletsweet。
Itsankanddied，yetmurmur’dnot：
AndifIdie，oh，happylot，ForherIdie，Andatherveryfeet！
1775。*——
THEFAITHLESSBOY。
THEREwasawooerblitheandgay，AsonofFrancewashe，——
Whoinhisarmsformanyaday，Asthoughhisbridewereshe，Apooryoungmaidenhadcaress’d，Andfondlykiss’d，andfondlypress’d，Andthenatlengthdeserted。
Whenthiswastoldthenut-brownmaid，Hersensesstraightwayfled。
Shelaugh’dandwept，andvow’dandpray’d，Andpresentlywasdead。
Thehourhersoulitsfarewelltook，Theboywassad，withterrorshook，Thenspranguponhischarger。
Hedrovehisspursintohisside，Andscour’dthecountryround。
Butwheresoeverhemightride，Norestforhimwasfound。
Forsevenlongdaysandnightsherode，Itstorm’d，thewatersoverflow’d，Itbluster’d，lighten’d，thunder’d。
Onrodehethroughthetempest’sdin，Tillheabuildingspied。
Insearchofsheltercrepthein，Whenhehissteedhadtied。
Andashegropedhisdoubtfulway，Thegroundbegantorockandsway，——
Hefellahundredfathoms。
Whenherecover’dfromtheblow，Hesawthreelightspassby。
Hesoughtintheirpursuittogo，Thelightsappear’dtofly。
Theyledhisfootstepsallastray，Up，down，throughmanyanarrowwayThroughruin’ddesertcellars。
Whenlo！hestoodwithinahall，Withholloweyes。andgrinningall。
Theybadehimtastethefare。
Ahundredguestssatthere。
Hesawhissweetheart’midstthethrong，Wrapp’dupingrave-clotheswhiteandlong。
Sheturn’d，and——*
1774。
*ThisballadisintroducedinActII。ofClaudineofVillaBella，whereitissuddenlybrokenoff，asitishere。——
THEERL-KING。
WHOridestheresolatethroughthenightdarkanddrear？
Thefatheritis，withhisinfantsodear。
Heholdeththeboytightlyclasp’dinhisarm，Heholdethhimsafely，hekeepethhimwarm。
Myson，whereforeseek’stthouthyfacethustohide？
Look，father，theErl-Kingisclosebyourside！
DostseenottheErl-King，withcrownandwithtrain？
Myson，’tisthemistrisingovertheplain。
Oh，come，thoudearinfant！ohcomethouwithme！
FullmanyagameIwillplaytherewiththee。
Onmystrand，lovelyflowerstheirblossomsunfold，Mymothershallgracetheewithgarmentsofgold。
Myfather，myfather，anddostthounothearThewordsthattheErl-Kingnowbreathesinmineear？
Becalm，dearestchild，’tisthyfancydeceives。
’Tisthesadwindthatsighsthroughthewitheringleaves。
Wiltgo，then，dearinfant，wiltgowithmethere？
MydaughtersshalltendtheewithsisterlycareMydaughtersbynighttheirgladfestivalkeep，They’lldancethee，androckthee，andsingtheetosleep。
Myfather，myfather，anddostthounotsee，HowtheErl-Kinghisdaughtershasbroughthereforme？
Mydarling，mydarling，Iseeitaright，’Tistheagedgreywillowsdeceivingthysight。
Ilovethee，I’mcharm’dbythybeauty，dearboy！
Andifthou’rtunwilling，thenforceI’llemploy。
Myfather，myfather，heseizesmefast，FullsorelytheErl-Kinghashurtmeatlast。
Thefathernowgallops，withterrorhalfwild，Hegraspsinhisarmsthepoorshudderingchild。
Hereacheshiscourtyardwithtoilandwithdread，——
Thechildinhisarmsfindshemotionless，dead。
1782。*——
JOHANNASEBUS。
[Tothememoryofanexcellentandbeautifulgirlof17，belongingtothevillageofBrienen，whoperishedonthe13thofJanuary，1809，whilstgivinghelpontheoccasionofthebreakingupoftheiceontheRhine，andtheburstingofthedamofCleverham。]
THEDAMBREAKSDOWN，THEICE-PLAINGROWLS，THEFLOODSARISE，THEWATERHOWLS。
I’llbearthee，mother，acrosstheswell，’Tisnotyethigh，Icanwaderightwell。
Rememberustoo！inwhatdangerarewe！
Thyfellow-lodger，andchildrenthree！
Thetremblingwoman！——Thou’rtgoingaway！
Shebearsthemotheracrossthespray。
Quick！hastetothemound，andawhiletherewait，I’llsoonreturn，andallwillbestraight。
Themound’scloseby，andsafefromthewet。
Buttakemygoattoo，mydarlingpet！
THEDAMDISSOLVES，THEICE-PLAINGROWLS，THEFLOODSDASHON，THEWATERHOWLS。
Sheplacesthemothersafeontheshore。
FairSusanthenturnstow’rdthefloodoncemore。
Ohwhither？Ohwhither？Thebreadthfastgrows，Bothhereandtherethewatero’erflows。
Wiltventure，thourashone，thebillowstobrave？
THEYSHALL，ANDTHEYMUSTBEPRESERVEDFROMTHEWAVE！
THEDAMDISAPPEARS，THEWATERGROWLS，LIKEOCEANBILLOWSITHEAVESANDHOWLS。
FairSusanreturnsbythewayshehadtried，Thewavesroararound，butsheturnsnotaside。
Shereachesthemound，andtheneighbourstraight，Butforherandthechildren，alas，toolate！
THEDAMDISAPPEAR’D，——LIKEASEAITGROWLS，ROUNDTHEHILLOCKINCIRCLINGEDDIESITHOWLS。
Thefoamingabyssgapeswide，andwhirlsround，Thewomenandchildrenarebornetotheground。
Thehornofthegoatbyoneisseizedfast，But，ah，theyallmustperishatlast！
FairSusanstillstands-there，untouch’dbythewave。
Theyoungest，thenoblest，oh，whonowwillsave？
FairSusanstillstandsthere，asbrightasastar，But，alas！allhope，allassistanceisfar。
Thefoamingwatersaroundherroar，Tosaveher，nobarkpushesofffromtheshore。
HergazeonceagainsheliftsuptoHeaven，Thengentlyawaybythefloodsheisdriven。
NODAM，NOPLAIN！TOMARKTHEPLACE
SOMESTRAGGLINGTREESARETHEONLYTRACE。
Therushingwaterthewildernesscovers，YetSusan’simagestillo’erithovers——
Thewatersinks，theplainsre-appear。
FairSusan’slamentedwithmanyatear，——
Mayhewhorefusesherstorytotell，Beneglectedinlifeandindeathaswell！
1809——
THEFISHERMAN。
THEwatersrush’d，thewatersrose，Afishermansatby，WhileonhislineincalmreposeHecasthispatienteye。
Andashesat，andhearken’dthere，Thefloodwascleftintwain，And，lo！adrippingmermaidfairSprangfromthetroubledmain。
Shesangtohim，andspakethewhile：
Whylurestthoumybrood，WithhumanwitandhumanguileFromouttheirnativeflood？
Oh，couldstthouknowhowgladlydartThefishacrossthesea，Thouwouldstdescend，e’enasthouart，Andtrulyhappybe！
DonotthesunandmoonwithgraceTheirformsinoceanlave？
Shinesnotwithtwofoldcharmstheirface，Whenrisingfromthewave？
Thedeep，deepheavens，thenluretheenot，——
Themoistyetradiantblue，——
Notthineownform，——totemptthylot’Midstthiseternaldew？
Thewatersrush’d，thewatersrose，Wettinghisnakedfeet。
Asifhistruelove’swordswerethose，Hisheartwithlongingbeat。
Shesangtohim，tohimspakeshe，Hisdoomwasfix’d，Iween。
Halfdrewshehim，andhalfsankhe，Andne’eragainwasseen。
1779。*——
THEKINGOFTHULE。*
*ThisballadisalsointroducedinFaust，whereitissungbyMargaret。
INThulelivedamonarch，Stillfaithfultothegrave，TowhomhisdyingmistressAgoldengobletgave。
Beyondallpricehedeem’dit，Hequaff’ditateachfeast。
And，whenhedrain’dthatgoblet，Histearstoflowne’erceas’d。
Andwhenhefeltdeathnearhim，Hiscitieso’erhetold，Andtohisheirleftallthings，Butnotthatcupofgold。
AregalbanquetheldheInhisancestralball，Inyondersea-wash’dcastle，’Mongsthisgreatnoblesall。
Therestoodtheagedreveller，Anddrankhislastlife’s-glow，——
Thenhurl’dtheholygobletIntothefloodbelow。
Hesawitfalling，filling，Andsinking’neaththemain，Hiseyesthenclosedforever，Heneverdrankagain。
1774——
THEBEAUTEOUSFLOWER。
SONGOFTHEIMPRISONEDCOUNT。
COUNT。
IKNOWaflowerofbeautyrare，Ah，howIholditdear！
ToseekitIwouldfainrepair，WereInotprison’dhere。
Mysorrowsoreoppressesme，ForwhenIwasatliberty，Ihaditclosebesideme。
Thoughfromthiscastle’swallssosteepIcastmineeyesaround，Andgazeoftfromtheloftykeep，Theflowercannotbefound。
Whoe’erwouldbringittomysight，Whetheravassalhe，orknight，MydearestfriendI’ddeemhim。
THEROSE。
Iblossomfair，——thytaleofwoesIhearfrom’neaththygrate。
Thoudoubtlessmeanestme，therose。
Poorknightofhighestate！
Thouhastintruthaloftymind。
Thequeenofflowersisthenenshrin’d，Idoubtnot，inthybosom。
COUNT。
Thyred，indressofgreenarray’d，AsworthallpraiseIhold。
Andsothou’rttreasuredbyeachmaidLikepreciousstonesorgold。
ThywreathadornsthefairestfaceButstillthou’rtnottheflowerwhosegraceIhonourhereinsilence。
THELILY。
Theroseiswontwithpridetoswell，Andeverseekstorise。
ButgentlesweetheartslovefullwellThelily’scharmstoprize，Theheartthatfillsabosomtrue，Thatis，likeme，unsulliedtoo，Mymeritvaluesduly。
COUNT。
Intruth，Ihopemyselfunstain’d，Andfreefromgrievouscrime。
YetIamhereaprisonerchain’d，Andpassingriefmytime，TomethouartanimagesureOfmanyamaiden，mildandpure，AndyetIknowadearer。
THEPINK。
Thatmustbeme，thepink，whoscentThewarder’sgardenhere。
OrwhereforeishesointentMycharmswithcaretorear？
Mypetalsstandinbeauteousring，SweetincenseallaroundIfling，Andboastathousandcolours。
COUNT。
Thepinkintruthweshouldnotslight，Itisthegardener’sprideItnowmuststandexposedtolight，Nowintheshadeabide。
YetwhatcanmaketheCount’sheartglowIsnomerepompofoutwardshow。
Itisasilentflower。
THEVIOLET。
HerestandI，modestlyhalfhid，Andfainwouldsilencekeep。
YetsincetospeakInowambid，I’llbreakmysilencedeep。
If，worthyKnight，Iamthatflower，ItgrievesmethatIhavenotpowerTobreatheforthallmysweetness。
COUNT。
Theviolet’scharmsIprizeindeed，Somodest’tis，andfair，Andsmellssosweet。yetmoreIneedToeasemyheavycare。
ThetruthI’llwhisperinthineear：
Upontheserockyheightssodrear，Icannotfindthelovedone。
Thetruestmaiden’neaththeskyRoamsnearthestreambelow，Andbreathesforthmanyagentlesigh，TillIfromhencecango。
Andwhensheplucksaflow’retblue，AndsaysForget-me-not！——I，too，Thoughfaraway，canfeelit。
Ay，distanceonlyswellslove’smight，Whenfondlyloveapair。
Thoughprison’dinthedungeon’snight，InlifeIlingerthereAndwhenmyheartisbreakingnigh，Forget-me-not！isallIcry，Andstraightwaylifereturneth。
1798——
SIRCURT’SWEDDING-JOURNEY。
WITHabridegroom’sjoyousbearing，MountsSirCurthisnoblebeast，Tohismistress’homerepairing，Theretoholdhisweddingfeast。
WhenathreateningfoeadvancesFromadesert，rockyspot。
Forthefraytheycouchtheirlances，Notdelaying，speakingnot。
Longthedoubtfulfightcontinues，VictorythenforCurtdeclares。
Conqueror，thoughwithweariedsinews，Forwardonhisroadhefares。
Whenhesees，thoughstrangeitmaybe，Something’midstthefoliagemove。
’Tisamother，withherbaby，Stealingsoftlythroughthegrove！
Anduponthespotshebeckons——
Wherefore，love，thisspeedsowild？
Ofthewealththystorehousereckons，Hastthounoughttogivethychild！
Flamesofrapturenowdartthroughhim，Andhelongsfornothingmore，WhilethemotherseemethtohimLovelyasthemaidofyore。
Buthehearshisservantsblowing，Andbethinkshimofhisbride。
Anderelong，whileonwardgoing，Chancespastafairtoride。
IntheboothsheforthwithbuyshimForhismistressmanyapledge。
But，alas！someJewssurprisehim，Andlong-standingdebtsallege。
AndthecourtsofjusticedulySendtheknighttoprisonstraight。
Ohaccursedstory，truly！
Forahero，whatafate！
Canmypatiencesuchthingsweather？
Greatismyperplexity。
Women，debts，andfoestogether，——
Ah，noknightescapesscotfree！
1803。*——
WEDDINGSONG。
THEtaleoftheCountourgladsongshallrecordWhohadinthiscastlehisdwelling，Wherenowyearefeastingthenew-marriedlord，Hisgrandsonofwhomwearetelling。
TheCountasCrusaderhadblazon’dhisfame，Throughmanyatriumphexaltedhisname，Andwhenonhissteedtohisdwellinghecame，Hiscastlestillrear’ditsproudhead，Butservantsandwealthhadallfled。
’Tistruethatthou，Count，hastreturn’dtothyhome，Butmattersarefaringthereill。
Thewindsthroughthechambersatlibertyroam，AndblowthroughthewindowsatwillWhat’sbesttobedoneinacoldautumnnight？
FullmanyI’vepass’dinmorepiteousplight。
Themorneversettlesthematteraright。
Thenquick，whilethemoonshinessoclear，Tobedonthestraw，withoutfear，Andwhilstinasoftpleasingslumberhelay，Amotionhefeels’neathhisbed。
Therat，anhelikesit，mayrattleaway！
Ay，hadhebutcrumbsthereoutspread！
Butlo！thereappearsadiminutivewight，Adwarf’tis，yetgraceful，andbearingalight，Withorator-gesturesthatnoticeinvite，AtthefeetoftheCountonthefloorWhosleepsnot，thoughwearyfullsore。
We’velongbeenaccustom’dtoholdhereourfeast，Sincethoufromthycastlefirstwent。
AndaswebelievedthouwertfarintheEast，Torevele’ennowwewerebent。
Andifthou’ltallowit，andseeknottochide，Wedwarfswillallbanquetwithpleasureandpride，Tohonourthewealthy，thebeautifulbrideSaystheCountwithasmile，half-asleep——
Ye’rewelcomeyourquarterstokeep！
Threeknightsthenadvance，ridingallinagroup，Whounderthebedwereconceal’d。
Andthenisasingingandnoise-makingtroopOfstrangelittlefiguresreveal’d。
Andwaggononwaggonwithallkindsofthings——
Theclattertheycausethroughtheearloudlyrings——
Thelikene’erwasseensaveincastlesofkings。
Atlength，inachariotofgold，Thebrideandthegueststoo，behold！
Thenallatfullgallopmakehastetoadvance，Eachchooseshisplaceinthehall。
Withwhirlingandwaltzing，andlightjoyousdance，Theybeginwiththeirsweetheartstheball。
Thefifeandthefiddleallmerrilysound，Thytwine，andtheyglide，andwithnimblenessbound，Thywhisper，andchatter，and，chatteraround。
TheCountonthescenecastshiseye，Andseemsinafevertolie。
Theyhustle，andbustle，andrattleawayOntable，onbench，andonstool。
ThenallwhohadjoinedinthefestivalgayWiththeirpartnersattempttogrowcool。
Thehamsandthesausagesnimblytheybear，Andmeat，fish，andpoultryinplentyarethere，Surroundedwithwineofthevintagemostrare：
Andwhentheyhaverevell’dfulllong，Theyvanishatlastwithasong。
******
Andifwe’retosingallthatfurtheroccurr’d，Prayceaseyetoblusterandprate。
ForwhathesogladlyinsmallsawandheardHeenjoy’dandhepractis’dingreat。
Fortrumpets，andsinging，andshoutswithoutendOnthebridal-train，chariotsandhorsemenattend，Theycomeandappear，andtheybowandtheybend，Inmerryandcountlessarray。
Thuswasit，thusisitto-day。
1802——
THETREASURE-DIGGER
ALLmywearydaysIpass’dSickatheartandpoorinpurse。
Poverty’sthegreatestcurse，Richesarethehighestgood！
Andtoendmywoesatlast，Treasure-seekingforthIsped。
Thoushalthavemysoulinstead！
ThusIwrote，andwithmyblood。
RingroundringIforthwithdrew，Wondrousflamescollectedthere，Herbsandbonesinorderfair，Tillthecharmhadwork’daright。
Then，tolearnedpreceptstrue，Dugtofindsometreasureold，IntheplacemyartforetoldBlackandstormywasthenight。
Comingo’erthedistantplain，Withtheglimmerofastar，SoonIsawalightafar，Asthehourofmidnightknell’d。
Preparationwasinvain。
SuddenallwaslightedupWiththelustreofacupThatabeauteousboyupheld。
Sweetlyseem’dhisevestolaughNeathhisflow’rychaplet’sload。
Withthedrinkthatbrightlyglow’d，Hethecircleenter’din。
Andhekindlybademequaff：
ThenmethoughtThischildcanne’er，Withhisgiftsobrightandfair，Tothearch-fiendbeakin。
Purelife’scouragedrink！criedhe：
Thisadvicetoprizethenlearn，——
NevertothisplacereturnTrustinginthyspellsabsurd。
Dignolongerfruitlessly。
Guestsbynight，andtoilbyday！
Weekslaborious，feast-daysgay！
Bethyfuturemagic-word！
1797——
THERAT-CATCHER。
IAMthebardknownfarandwide，Thetravell’drat-catcherbeside。
Amanmostneedfultothistown，Sogloriousthroughitsoldrenown。
HowevermanyratsIsee，Howmanyweaselstheremaybe，Icleansetheplacefromev’ryone，Allneedsmusthelter-skelterrun。
SometimesthebardsofullofcheerAsachild-catcherwillappear，Whoe’enthewildestcaptivebrings，Whene’erhisgoldentaleshesings。
Howeverproudeachboyinheart，Howevermuchthemaidensstart，Ibidthechordssweetmusicmake，Andallmustfollowinmywake。
SometimestheskilfulbardyeviewIntheformofmaiden-catchertoo。
Forhenocityenterse’er，Withouteffectingwondersthere。
Howevercoymaybeeachmaid，Howeverthewomenseemafraid，Yetallwilllove-sickbeerelongTosoundofmagicluteandsong。
[DaCapo。]1803。*——
THESPINNER。
AsIcalmlysatandspan，Toilingwithallzeal，Lo！ayoungandhandsomemanPass’dmyspinning-wheel。
Andhepraised，——whatharmwasthere？——
Sweetthethingshesaid——
Praisedmyflax-resemblinghair，Andtheeventhread。
Hewiththiswasnotcontent，Butmustneedsdomore。
Andintwainthethreadwasrent，Though’twassafebefore。
Andtheflax’sstonelikeweightNeededtobetold。
ButnolongerwasitsstateValuedasofold。
WhenItookittotheweaver，SomethingfeltIstart，Andmorequickly，aswithfever，Throbb’dmytremblingheart。
ThenIbearthethreadatlengthThroughtheheat，tobleach。
But，alas，IscarcehavestrengthTothepooltoreach。
WhatIinmylittleroomSpansofineandslight，——
Aswaslikely。Ipresume——
Cameatlasttolight。
1800。*——
BEFOREACOURTOFJUSTICE。
THEfather’snameyene’ershallbetoldOfmydarlingunbornlife。
Shame，shame，yecry，onthestrumpetbold！
YetI’manhonestwife。
TowhomI’mwedded，yene’ershallbetold，Yethe’sbothlovingandfair。
Hewearsonhisneckachainofgold，Andahatofstrawdothhewear。
Ifscorn’tisvaintoseektorepel，Onmeletthescornbethrown。
Iknowhimwell，andheknowsmewell，AndtoGod，too，allisknown。
SirParsonandSirBailiff，again，Iprayyou，leavemeinpeace！
Mychilditis，mychild’twillremain，Soletyourquestioningscease！
1815。*——
THEPAGEANDTHEMILLER’SDAUGHTER。
PAGE。
WHEREgoestthou？Where？
Miller’sdaughtersofair！
Thyname，pray？——
MILLER’SDAUGHTER。
’TisLizzy。
PAGE。
Wheregoestthou？Where？
Withtherakeinthyhand？
MILLER’SDAUGHTER。
Father’smeadowsandlandTovisit，I’mbusy。
PAGE。
Dostgotherealone？
MILLER’SDAUGHTER。
Bythisrake，sir，’tisshownThatwe’remakingthehay。
AndthepearsripenfastInthegardenatlast，SoI’llpickthemto-day。
PAGE。
Is’tasilentthicketIyonderview？
MILLER’SDAUGHTER。
Oh，yes！therearetwo。
There’soneoneachside。
PAGE。
I’llfollowtheesoon。
WhenthesunburnsatnoonWe’llgothere，o’urselvesfromhisraystohide，Andtheninsomegladeall-verdantanddeep——
MILLER’SDAUGHTER。
Why，peoplewouldsay——
PAGE。
Withinminearmsthougentlywiltsleep。
MILLER’SDAUGHTER。
Yourpardon，Ipray！
Whoeveriskiss’dbythemiller-maid，Uponthespotmustneedsbebetray’d。
’TwouldgivemedistressTocoverwithwhiteYourprettydarkdress。
Equalwithequal！thenallisright！
That’sthemottoinwhichIdelight。
Iaminlovewiththemiller-boy。
HewearsnothingthatIcoulddestroy。
1797——
THEYOUTHANDTHEMILLSTREAM。
[ThissweetBallad，andtheoneentitledTheMaidoftheMill’sRepentance，werewrittenontheoccasionofavisitpaidbyGoethetoSwitzerland。TheMaidoftheMill’sTreachery，towhichthelatterformsthesequel，wasnotwrittentillthefollowingyear。]
YOUTH。
SAY，sparklingstreamlet，whitherthouArtgoing！
WithjoyousmienthywatersnowAreflowing。
Whyseekthevalesohastily？
Attendforonce，andanswerme！
MILLSTREAM。
Ohyouth，Iwasabrookindeed。
ButlatelyMybedthey’vedeepen’d，andmyspeedSwell’dgreatly，ThatImayhastetoyondermill。
AndsoI’mfullandneverstill。
YOUTH。
ThemillthouseekestinamoodContented，Andknow’stnothowmyyouthfulblood’Stormented。
Butdoththemiller’sdaughterfairGazeoftenontheekindlythere？
MILLSTREAM。
SheopestheshutterssoonaslightIsgleaming。
AndcomestobatheherfeaturesbrightAndbeaming。
Sofullandsnow-whiteisherbreast，——
Ifeelashotassteamsuppress’d。
YOUTH。
IfsheinwatercaninflameSuchardour，Surely，then，fleshandbloodtotameIsharder。
Whenonceisseenherbeauteousface，Oneeverlongsherstepstotrace。
MILLSTREAM。
OverthewheelI，roaring，bound，All-proudly，Andev’ryspokewhirlsswiftlyround，Andloudly。
SinceIhaveseenthemiller’sdaughter，Withgreatervigourflowsthewater。
YOUTH。
Likeothers，then，cangrief，poorbrook，Oppressthee？
Flowon！——thusshe’ll，withsmilinglook，Addressthee。
Withhersweetlovingglance，ohsay，Canshethyflowingcurrentstay？
MILLSTREAM。
’Tissad，’tissadtohavetospeedFromyonder。
Iwind，andslowlythroughthemeadWouldwander。
Andifthechoiceremain’dwithme，Wouldhastenbacktherepresently。
YOUTH。
Farewell，thouwhowithmedostproveLove’ssadness！
Perchancesomedaythou’ltbreatheofloveAndgladness。
Go，tellherstraight，andoftentoo，Theboy’smutehopesandwishestrue。
1797——
THEMAIDOFTHEMILL’STREACHERY。
[ThisBalladisintroducedintheWanderjahre，inatalecalledTheFoolishPilgrim。]
WHENCEcomesourfriendsohastily，WhenscarcetheEasternskyisgrey？
Hathhejustceased，thoughcolditbe，Inyonderholyspottopray？
Thebrookappearstohemhispath，Wouldhebarefootedo’eritgo？
Whycursehisorisonsinwrath，Acrossthoseheightsbecladwithsnow？
Alas！hiswarmbedhebathleft，Wherehehadlook’dforbliss，Iween。
Andifhiscloaktoo，hadbeenreft，Howfearfulhisdisgracehadbeen！
Byyondervillainsorelypress’d，Hiswalletfromhimhasbeentorn。
Ourhaplessfriendhasbeenundress’d，Leftwellnighnakedaswhenborn。
Thereasonwhyhecamethisroad，Isthathesoughtapairofeyes，Which，atthemill，asbrightlyglow’dAsthosethatareinParadise。
Hewillnotsoonagainbethere。
Fromoutthehousehequicklyhied，Andwhenhegain’dtheopenair，ThusbitterlyandloudlycriedWithinhergaze，sodazzlingbright，NowordoftreacheryIcouldread。
Sheseem’dtoseemewithdelight，Yetplann’de’enthenthiscrueldeed！
CouldI，whenbaskinginhersmile，Dreamofthetreasoninherbreast？
ShebadekindCupidstayawhile，Andhewasthere，tomakeusblest。
Totasteoflove’ssweetecstasyThroughoutthenight，thatendlessseem’d，Andforhermother’shelptocryOnlywhenmorningsunlightbeam’d！
Adozenofherkithandkin，Averyhumanflood，in-press’dHercousinscame，herauntspeer’din，Anduncles，brothers，andtherest。
Thenwhatatumult，fierceandloud！
Eachseem’dabeastofpreytobe。
Themaiden’shonourallthecrowd，Withfearfulshout，demandofme。
Whyshouldthey，madmen-like，beginTofalluponaguiltlessyouth？
Forhewhosuchaprizewouldwin，Farnimblerneedsmustbe，intruth。
ThewaytofollowupwithskillHisfreaks，bylovebetimesisknown：
Hene’erwillleave，withinamill，Sweetflowersforsixteenyearsalone——
Theystolemyclothesaway，——yes，all！
Andtriedmycloakbesidestosteal。
HowstrangethatanyhousesosmallSomanyrascalscouldconceal！
ThenIsprangup，andraved，andswore，Toforceapassagethroughthemthere。
Isawthetreacherousmaidoncemore，Andshewasstill，alas，sofairTheyallgavewaybeforemywrath，Wildoutcriesflewaboutpell-mell。
AtlengthImanagedtorushforth，Withvoiceofthunder，fromthathell。
Asmaidensofthetownwefly，We’llshunyoumaidensofthevillage。
LeaveittothoseofqualityTheirhumbleworshipperstopillage。
Yetifyeareofpractisedskill，Andofalltendertiesafraid，Exchangeyourlovers，ifyewill，Butneverletthembebetray’d。
Thussingsheinthewinter-night，Whilenotabladeofgrasswasgreen。
Ilaugh’dtoseehispiteousplight，Foritwaswell-deserved，Iween。
Andmaythisbethefateofall，Whotreatbydaytheirtruelovesill，And，withfoolhardydaring，crawlBynighttoCupid’streacherousmill！
1798