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，givenbyChamberlayneinhisPharonnidapublishedin1659……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？