The Poems of GoethePart 11 out of 11Where on the verdant plain Dancers we see, Spreading themselves amain Over the lea. Some boldly climbing are O'er the steep brake, Others are floating far O'er the smooth lake. All for a purpose move, All with life teem, While the sweet stars above Blissfully gleam. V. MARGARET AT HER SPINNING-WHEEL. MY heart is sad, My peace is o'er; I find it never And nevermore. When gone is he, The grave I see; The world's wide all Is turned to gall. Alas, my head Is well-nigh crazed; My feeble mind Is sore amazed. My heart is sad, My peace is o'er; I find it never And nevermore. For him from the window Alone I spy; For him alone From home go I. His lofty step, His noble form, His mouth's sweet smile, His glances warm, His voice so fraught With magic bliss, His hand's soft pressure, And, ah, his kiss! My heart is sad, My peace is o'er; I find it never And nevermore. My bosom yearns For his form so fair; Ah, could I clasp him And hold him there! My kisses sweet Should stop his breath, And 'neath his kisses I'd sink in death! VI. SCENE--A GARDEN, Margaret. Faust. MARGARET. DOST thou believe in God? FAUST. Doth mortal live Who dares to say that he believes in God? Go, bid the priest a truthful answer give, Go, ask the wisest who on earth e'er trod,-- Their answer will appear to be Given alone in mockery. MARGARET. Then thou dost not believe? This sayest thou? FAUST. Sweet love, mistake not what I utter now! Who knows His name? Who dares proclaim:-- Him I believe? Who so can feel His heart to steel To sari believe Him not? The All-Embracer, The All-Sustained, Holds and sustains He not Thee, me, Himself? Hang not the heavens their arch overhead? Lies not the earth beneath us, firm? Gleam not with kindly glances Eternal stars on high? Looks not mine eye deep into thine? And do not all things Crowd on thy head and heart, And round thee twine, in mystery eterne, Invisible, yet visible? Fill, then, thy heart, however vast, with this, And when the feeling perfecteth thy bliss, O, call it what thou wilt, Call it joy! heart! love! God! No name for it I know! 'Tis feeling all--nought else; Name is but sound and smoke, Obscuring heaven's bright glow. VII. MARGARET, Placing fresh flowers in the flower-pots. O THOU well-tried in grief, Grant to thy child relief, And view with mercy this unhappy one! The sword within thy heart, Speechless with bitter smart, Thou Lookest up towards thy dying son. Thou look'st to God on high, And breathest many a sigh O'er his and thy distress, thou holy One! Who e'er can know The depth of woe Piercing my very bone? The sorrows that my bosom fill, Its trembling, its aye-yearning will, Are known to thee, to thee alone! Wherever I may go, With woe, with woe, with woe, My bosom sad is aching! I scarce alone can creep, I weep, I weep, I weep, My very heart is breaking. The flowers at my window My falling tears bedewed, When I, at dawn of morning, For thee these flow'rets strewed. When early to my chamber The cheerful sunbeams stole, I sat upon my pallet, In agony of soul. Help! rescue me from death and misery! Oh, thou well-tried in grief, Grant to thy child relief, And view with mercy my deep agony! FROM FAUST--SECOND PART. I. ARIEL. WHEN in spring the gentle rain Breathes into the flower new birth, When the green and happy plain Smiles upon the sons of earth, Haste to give what help we may, Little elves of wondrous might! Whether good or evil they, Pity for them feels the sprite. II. CHORUS OF SPIRITS. WHEN the moist and balmy gale Round the verdant meadow sighs, Odors sweet in misty veil At the twilight-hour arise. Murmurings soft of calm repose Rock the heart to child-like rest, And the day's bright portals close On the eyes with toil oppress'd. Night already reigns o'er all, Strangely star is link'd to star; Planets mighty, sparkling small, Glitter near and gleam afar. Gleam above in clearer night, Glitter in the glassy sea; Pledging pure and calm delight, Rules the moon in majesty. Now each well-known hour is over, Joy and grief have pass'd away; Feel betimes! thoult then recover: Trust the newborn eye of day. Vales grow verdant, hillocks teem, Shady nooks the bushes yield, And with waving, silvery gleam, Rocks the harvest in the field. Wouldst thou wish for wish obtain, Look upon yon glittering ray! Lightly on thee lies the chain, Cast the shell of sleep away! Tarry not, but be thou bold, When the many loiter still; All with ease may be controll'd By the man of daring will. III. ARIEL. HARK! the storm of hours draws near, Loudly to the spirit-ear Signs of coming day appear. Rocky gates are wildly crashing, Phoebus' wheels are onward dashing; (A wonderful noise proclaims the approach of the sun.) Light doth mighty sounds beget! Pealing loud as rolling thunder, Eye and ear it fills with wonder, Though itself unconscious yet. Downward steals it,'mongst the flowers Seeking deeper, stiller bowers, 'Mongst the foliage, 'neath the rock; Thou'lt be deafened by the shock! ----- FROM FAUST--SECOND PART. SCENE THE LAST. ANGELS. [Hovering in the higher regions of air, and hearing the immortal part of Faust.] THE spirit-region's noble limb Hath 'scaled the Archfiend's power; For we have strength to rescue him Who labours ev'ry hour. And if he feels within his breast A ray of love from heaven. He's met by all the squadron blest With welcome gladly given. THE YOUNGER ANGELS. Yonder roses, from the holy Hands of penitents so lowly, Help'd to render us victorious, And to do the deed all-glorious; For they gain'd us this soul-treasure. Evil ones those roses banish'd, Devils, when we met them, vanish'd. Spirits felt love's pangs with pleasure, Where hell's torments used to dwell; E'en the hoary king of hell Felt sharp torments through him run. Shout for joy! the prize is won. THE MORE PERFECT ANGELS. Strains of mortality Long have oppress'd us; Pure could they ever be, If of asbestos. If mighty spirit-strength Elements ever Knew how to seize at length, Angels could never Link'd twofold natures move, Where single-hearted; By nought but deathless love Can they be parted. THE YOUNGER ANGELS. See where a spirit-race Bursts on the sight! Dimly their forms I trace Round the far height. Each cloud becometh clear, While the bright troops appear Of the blest boys, From the Earth's burden free, In a glad company Drinking in joys, Born of the world above, Springtime and bliss. May they forerunners prove Of a more perfect love, Link'd on to this! THE BEATIFIED CHILDREN. Thus as a chrysalis Gladly we gain him, And as a pledge of bliss Safely retain him; When from the shell he's free Whereby he's tainted, Perfect and fair he'll be, Holy and sainted. DOCTOR MARINAS. (In the highest, purest cell.) Wide is the prospect here, Raised is the soul; Women on high appear, Seeking their goal. 'Mongat them the radiant one, Queen of the skies, In her bright starry crown Greets my glad eyes. (With ecstasy.) Thou who art of earth the queen. Let me, 'neath the blue Heav'nly canopy serene Thy sweet mystery view! Grant the gentle solemn force Which the breast can move. And direct our onward course Tow'rd thy perfect love. Dauntless let our courage be, At thy bright behest; Mild our ardour suddenly, When thou bidd'st us rest. Virgin, type of holiness, Mother, honour-crown'd, Thou whom we as queen confess, Godlike and renowned. Round her, in gentle play, Light clouds are stealing; Penitents fair are they, Who, humbly kneeling, Sip in the ether sweet, As they for grace entreat. Thou, who art from passions free, Kindly art inclin'd, When the sons of frailty Seek thee, meek in mind. Borne by weakness' stream along, Hard it is to save them; Who can burst lust's chains so strong, That, alas, enslave them? O how soon the foot may slip, When the smooth ground pressing! O, how false are eye and lip, False a breath caressing! MATER GLORLOSA hovers past. CHORUS OF PENITENT WOMEN. To bring realms on high In majesty soaring, O, hark to our cry Thy pity imploring, Thou help to the cheerless, In glory so peerless! MAGNA PECCATRIX (St. Luke vii. 36). By the love, which o'er the feet Of thy God-transfigur'd Son Dropp'd the team, like balsam sweet, Spite of ev'ry scornful one; By the box of ointment rare, Whence the drops so fragrant fell; By the locks, whose gentle care Dried His holy members well-- muller SAMARITANA (St, John iv.). By the well where Abram erst Drove his flocks to drink their fill; By the bucket which the thirst Of the Saviour served to still; By the fountain, balm-exhaling, That from yon bright region flows, Ever clear and never failing. As round ev'ry world it goes-- MARIA AEGYPTIACA (Acta Sanctorum). By the sacred spot immortal, Where the Lord's remains they plac'd; By the arm, that from the portal Drove me back with warning haste; By my forty years of lowly Penance in a desert land; By the farewell greetings holy That I wrote upon the sand-- THE THREE. Thou who ne'er thy radiant face From the greatest sinners hides, Thou who Thine atoning grace Through eternity provident, Let this soul, by virtue stirr'd, Self-forgetful though when living, That perceived not that it err'd, Feel thy mercy, sin forgiving! UNA POENITENTIUM. (Once named Margaret, pressing near them.) Oh radiance-spreading One, Who equall'd art by none, In mercy view mine ecstasy! For he whom erst I loved, No more by sorrow proved, Returns at length to me! BEATIFIED CHILDREN. (Approaching as they hover round.) He now in strength of limb Far doth outweigh us, And, as we tended him, So will repay us. Early removed were we Far from life's story; Train'd now himself, will he Train us in glory. THE PENITENT, once named Margaret. Link'd with the noble band of spirits, Scarce can the new one feel or see The radiant life he now inherits, So like that holy band is he. See how he bursts each bond material, And parts the olden veil at length,-- In vesture clad of grace ethereal, Comes in the glow of youthful strength. Oh, let me guide his steps victorious, While dazzled by the new-born light. MATER GLORIOSA. Come! raise thyself to spheres more glorious, He'll follow when thou matzoth his sight. DOCTOR MARINAS. (Prostrated in adoration.) O repentant sinful ones, On that bright face gaze ye, And, in grateful orisons, Your blest fortune praise ye! Be each virtue of the mind To thy service given! Virgin, mother, be thou kind! Goddess, queen of heaven! CHORUS MYSTICS. Each thing of mortal birth Is but a type What was of feeble worth Here becomes ripe. What was a mystery Here meets the eye; The ever-womanly Draws us on high. (Finis.) ----- FROM IPHIGENIA IN TAURIS. ACT IV. SCENE 5. SONG OF THE FATES. YE children of mortals The deities dread! The mastery hold they In hands all-eternal, And use them, unquestioned, What manner they like. Let him fear them doubly, Whom they have uplifted! On cliffs and on clouds, oh, Round tables all-golden, he seats are made ready. When rises contention, The guests are humid downwards With shame and dishonor To deep depths of midnight, And vainly await they, Bound fast in the darkness, A just condemnation. But they remain ever In firmness unshaken Round tables all-golden. On stride they from mountain To mountain far distant: From out the abysses' Dark jaws, the breath rises Of torment-choked Titans Up tow'rds them, like incense In light clouds ascending. The rulers immortal Avert from whole peoples Their blessing-fraught glances, And shun, in the children, To trace the once cherish'd, Still, eloquent features Their ancestors wore. Thus chanted the Parae; The old man, the banish'd, In gloomy vault lying, Their song overheareth, Sons, grandsons remembereth, And shaketh his head. ----- FROM GOTZ VON BERLICHINGEN. ACT II. LIEBETRAUT plays and sings. HIS bow and dart bearing, And torch brightly flaring, Dan Cupid on flies; With victory laden, To vanquish each maiden He roguishly tries. Up! up! On! on! His arms rattle loudly, His wings rustle proudly, And flames fill his eyes. Then finds he each bosom Defenseless and bare; They gladly receive him And welcome him there. The point of his arrows He lights in the glow; They clasp him and kiss him And fondle him so. He e o! Pap! FROM EGMONT. ACT I. CLARA winds a skein, and sings with Brackenburg. THE drum gives the signal! Loud rings the shrill fife! My love leads his troops on Full arm'd for the strife, While his hand grasps his lance As they proudly advance. My bosom pants wildly! My blood hotly flows! Oh had I a doublet, A helmet, and hose! Through the gate with bold footstep I after him hied,-- Each province, each country Explored by his side. The coward foe trembled Then rattled our shot: What bliss e'er resembled A soldier's glad lot! ACT III. CLARA sings. Gladness And sadness And pensiveness blending Yearning And burning In torment ne'er ending; Sad unto death, Proudly soaring above; Happy alone Is the soul that doth love! FROM "WILHELM MEISTER'S APPRENTICESHIP." BOOK II., CHAP. XIII. WHO never eat with tears his bread, Who never through night's heavy hours Sat weeping on his lonely bed,-- He knows you not, ye heavenly powers! Through you the paths of life we gain, Ye let poor mortals go astray, And then abandon them to pain,-- E'en here the penalty we pay, ----- WHO gives himself to solitude, Soon lonely will remain; Each lives, each loves in joyous mood, And leaves him to his pain. Yes! leave me to my grief! Were solitude's relief E'er granted me, Alone I should not be. A lover steals, on footstep light, To learn if his love's alone; Thus o'er me steals, by day and night, Anguish before unknown, Thus o'er me steals deep grief. Ah, when I find relief Within the tomb so lonely, Will rest be met with only! ----- BOOK IV., CHAP. XI. My grief no mortals know, Except the yearning! Alone, a prey to woe, All pleasure spurning, Up tow'rds the sky I throw A gaze discerning. He who my love can know Seems ne'er returning; With strange and fiery glow My heart is burning. My grief no mortals know, Except the yearning! ----- BOOK V., CHAP. X. SING no more in mournful tones Of the loneliness of night; For 'tis made, ye beauteous ones, For all social pleasures bright. As of old to man a wife As his better half was given, So the night is half our life, And the fairest under heaven. How can ye enjoy the day, Which obstructs our rapture's tide? Let it waste itself away; Worthless 'tis for aught beside. But when in the darkling hours From the lamp soft rays are glowing, And from mouth to mouth sweet showers, Now of jest, now love, are flowing,-- When the nimble, wanton boy, Who so wildly spends his days, Oft amid light sports with joy O'er some trifling gift delays,Ä When the nightingale is singing Strains the lover holds so dear, Though like sighs and wailings ringing In the mournful captive's ear,-- With what heart-emotion blest Do ye hearken to the bell, Wont of safety and of rest With twelve solemn strokes to tell! Therefore in each heavy hour, Let this precept fill your heart: O'er each day will sorrow loud, Rapture ev'ry night impart. ----- EPILOGUE TO SCHILLER'S "SONG OF THE BELL." [This fine piece, written originally in 1805, on Schiller's death, was altered and recast by Goethe in 1815, on the occasion of the performance on the stage of the Song of the Bell. Hence the allusion in the last verse.] To this city joy reveal it! Peace as its first signal peal it! (Song of the Bell--concluding lines.) AND so it proved! The nation felt, ere long, That peaceful signal, and, with blessings fraught, A new-born joy appear'd; in gladsome song To hail the youthful princely pair we sought; While in a living, ever-swelling throng Mingled the crowds from ev'ry region brought, And on the stage, in festal pomp array'd The HOMAGE OF THE ARTS * we saw displayed. (* The title of a lyric piece composed by Schiller in honour of the marriage of the hereditary Prince of Weimar to the Princess Maria of Russia, and performed in 1804.) When, lo! a fearful midnight sound I hear, That with a dull and mournful echo rings. And can it be that of our friend so dear It tells, to whom each wish so fondly clings? Shall death overcome a life that all revere? How such a loss to all confusion brings! How such a parting we must ever rue! The world is weeping,--shall not we weep too? He was our own! How social, yet how great Seem'd in the light of day his noble mind! How was his nature, pleasing yet sedate, Now for glad converse joyously incline, Then swiftly changing, spirit-fraught, elate, Life's plan with deep-felt meaning it design'd, Fruitful alike in counsel and in deed! This have we proved, this tasted, in our need. He was our own! O may that thought so blest Overcome the voice of wailing and of woe He might have sought the Lasting, safe at rest In harbour, when the tempest ceased to blow. Meanwhile his mighty spirit onward press'd Where goodness, beauty, truth, for ever grow; And in his rear, in shadowy outline, lay The vulgar, which we all, alas, obey! Now doth he deck the garden-turret fair Where the stars' language first illuded his soul, As secretly yet clearly through the air On the eterne, the living sense it stole; And to his own, and our great profit, there Exchangeth he the seasons as they roll; Thus nobly doth he vanquish, with renown, The twilight and the night that weigh us down. Brighter now glow'd his cheek, and still more bright. With that unchanging, ever-youthful glow,-- That courage which overcomes, in hard-fought fight, Sooner or later, ev'ry earthly foe-- That faith which, soaring to the realms of light, Now boldly Presseth on, now bendeth low, So that the good may work, wax, thrive amain, So that the day the noble may attain. Yet, though so skill'd, of such transcendent worth, This boarded scaffold doth he not despise; The fate that on its axis turns the earth From day to night, here shows he to our eyes, Raising, through many a work of glorious birth, Art and the artist's fame up tow'rd the skies. He fills with blossoms of the noblest strife, With life itself, this effigy of life. His giant-step, as ye full surely knew, Measured the circle of the will and deed, Each country's changing thoughts and morals too, The darksome book with clearness could he read; Yet how he, breathless 'midst his friends so true, Despaired in sorrow, scarce from pain was freed,-- All this have we, in sadly happy years, For he was ours, bewailed with feeling tears. When from the agonizing weight of grief He raised his eyes upon the world again, We show'd him how his thoughts might find relief From the uncertain present's heavy chain, Gave his fresh-kindled mind a respite brief, With kindly skill beguiling ev'ry pain, And e'en at eve, when setting was his sun, From his wan cheeks a gentle smile we won. Full early had he read the stern decree, Sorrow and death to him, alas, were known; Ofttimes recovering, now departed he,-- Dread tidings, that our hearts had fear'd to own! Yet his transfigured being now can see Itself, e'en here on earth, transfigured grown. What his own age reproved, and deem'd a crime, Hath been ennobled now by death and time. And many a soul that with him strove in fight, And his great merit grudged to recognise, Now feels the impress of his wondrous might, And in his magic fetters gladly lies; E'en to the highest bath he winged his flight, In close communion link'd with all we prize. Extol him then! What mortals while they live But half receive, posterity shall give. Thus is he left us, who so long ago,-- Ten years, alas, already!--turn'd from earth; We all, to our great joy, his precepts know, Oh may the world confess their priceless worth! In swelling tide tow'rd every region flow The thoughts that were his own peculiar birth; He gleams like some departing meteor bright, Combining, with his own, eternal light. ----- L'ENVOl. ----- Now, gentle reader, is our journey ended, Mute is our minstrel, silent is our song; Sweet the bard's voice whose strains our course attended, Pleasant the paths he guided us along. Now must we part,--Oh word all full of sadness, Changing to pensive retrospect our gladness! Reader, farewell! we part perchance for ever, Scarce may I hope to meet with thee again; But e'en though fate our fellowship may sever, Reader, will aught to mark that tie remain? Yes! there is left one sad sweet bond of union,-- Sorrow at parting links us in communion. But of the twain, the greater is my sorrow,-- Reader, and why?--Bethink thee of the sun, How, when he sets, he waiteth for the morrow, Proudly once more his giant-race to run,-- Yet, e'en when set, a glow behind him leaving, Gladdening the spirit, which had else been grieving. Thus mayst thou feel, for thou to GOETHE only Baldest farewell, nor camest aught for me. Twofold my parting, leaving me all lonely,-- I now must part from GOETHE and from thee, Parting at once from comrade and from leader,-- Farewell, great minstrel! farewell, gentle reader! Hush'd is the harp, its music sunk in slumbers, Memory alone can waken now its numbers.
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