ELECTIONS rnoM GOETHE'S POEMS 
 
J. Henry Senger 
 
SSoIfgang 
 
Ibeatb's flDofcern XanQuage Series 
 
 GOETHE'S POEMS 
 
 SELECTED AND EDITED 
 WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES 
 
 CHARLES HARRIS 
 
 PROFESSOR OF GERMAN IN ADELBERT COLLEGE OF 
 WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY 
 
 
 . BOSTON, U. S. A. 
 
 D. C. HEATH & CO., PUBLISHERS 
 1899 
 
IN MEMORIAM 
 
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1899 
 BY D. C. HEATH & Co. 
 
 Printed by CARL H. HEINTZEMANN, Boston, Mass., U. S. A. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 IN the preparation of this selection of the poems of 
 Goethe, arranged in chronological order, my desire has 
 been to furnish a commentary which should give the 
 necessary explanations of words and phrases and also 
 the history of the origin of each poem, so far as this is 
 known. Nothing more has been attempted. No excursion 
 has been made into the fields of aesthetics, and there is 
 no discussion of. any of the fascinating problems which 
 arise in the study of the great master; but even within 
 its narrow limits the book must assuredly be very imper- 
 fect. 
 
 The text is that of the Weimar edition. There are 
 no intentional changes in the wording. In the matter 
 of spelling and of the use of capital letters the Prussian 
 rules have however been followed, and the punctuation 
 has here and there been altered slightly, commonly by 
 the more frequent employment of the comma. 
 
 CHARLES HARRIS. 
 CLEVELAND, 
 September, 1899. 
 
 926575 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 INTRODUCTION xi 
 
 <5ebtd?te. 
 
 1. 3n bo Stammburf) toon grtebrtdj 2ftarimtUan 2ftoor8 . 1 
 
 3. 2)er SJttfantfyrob 2 
 
 4. liirf unb raum ........ 3 
 
 5. Secret 3 
 
 6. 3)er 5lbfrf)tcb 4 
 
 Q SBtflfommen unb ?(bfcf)teb 4 
 
 8. Sftit einem getnatten 33anb ...... 5 
 
 9. Sftailteb 6 
 
 10. tirbt ber gurf), fo gilt ber S3alg 8 
 
 11. S3Unbc ^ul) 9 
 
 12. ^eibenrb^Iein ......... 9 
 
 14. er SBanbrer 11 
 
 15. $at alle feiue Beit 18 
 
 16. 25ilettant unb trttifer 18 
 
 17. 2)a S3eilrf)en ......... 19 
 
 18. S)er tbnig in S^ute 20 
 
 19. etfte=@ruB 21 
 
 20. 2)tne gu ^obtenj 22 
 
 21. a|3 regnen, tnenn e regnen rt)tll 23 
 
 22. 2tn c^irager Cronos .23 
 
 23. @enbj(^retben . . . . . . . . .25 
 
 24. $rometf)eu 26 
 
 25. 9?eue tebe neueS ^eben 28 
 
 26. BU ben ?eiben be jungen 2Bertt)er 29 
 
 27. Stuf bent @ee . 30 
 
 28. S5om S3erge 30 
 
 V 
 
VI CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 29. 33unbeUeb 31 
 
 30. SitiS $arf 32 
 
 31. 2(n ein gotbneg erj, bog er am alfe trug ... 37 
 
 32. 3ager8 abenblieb 37 
 
 33. an SHU 38 
 
 34. 2Banbrer8 9?ad)tUeb 38 
 
 35. SBaritm gabft bu un8 bie tiefen 23Ucfe .... 39 
 
 36. SRajHofe Siebe 41 
 
 37. (Sinfdjranfung .41 
 
 38. eefaljrt ........... 42 
 
 39. offmmg 44 
 
 40. Siebebebflrfni* 44 
 
 41. ^etger cbanfcn 45 
 
 42. arjreife im 2Binter 45 
 
 43. an ben SDtonb 48 
 
 44. rabjdjrtft 50 
 
 45. 3)er ^ifc^er . .50 
 
 46. ejang bcr eifter iiber ben SBajfern .... 51 
 
 47. (58 ttmr ein fauter djfifer 52 
 
 48. 2Banbrer8 9?ac^tlieb 53 
 
 49. Hn ?iba 53 
 
 50. rtfonig 54 
 
 51. 2)a8 ottlit^e 55 
 
 52. 2)er anger 57 
 
 53. )er ^arfenjpieler 59 
 
 54. S)erjelbe 60 
 
 55. 3Imenau . . .60 
 
 56. 3ueignung 67 
 
 57. 2ftignon .71 
 
 58. 2)iefelbe 72 
 
 59. 2>ie)"elbe 72 
 
 60. 2)em acfermann 73 
 
 61. SSerjcfjiebene (Smpfinbungen an eincm ^Jlafte ... 73 
 
 62. (Srfhr S3ertn[t 74 
 
 63. eniatifdj Sreiben 75 
 
 64. 2ln ben C)erjog $arf augufl 75 
 
 65. 2(mor ale ?anbfdjaftmaler .... .76 
 
CONTENTS. Vll 
 
 PAGE 
 
 66. SBedjfetlieb sum Stance 78 
 
 67. 2ln bie (Sntfernte 79 
 
 68. SBefyerjigung ......*.. 80 
 
 69. (Srinnerung 80 
 
 70. $opf)tifrf)e ieb 80 
 
 71. (Sptgramme. SSenebig 1790 81 
 
 72. ^eni Don gebilbeten 9Jienjd)en, am (Snbe be8 SfteidjeS, meu 
 
 fjitft eucf) 84 
 
 73. )ie probe 84 
 
 74. 3)ie 23efel)rte 85 
 
 75. 5tn bie (grroatyte . . . . . . . .85 
 
 76. 9^a^e beg ettebten 86 
 
 77. SWeereS titte 87 
 
 78. @Iu(fU(f)e gatjtt 87 
 
 79. 2lle3?i8 unb 2)ora 88 
 
 80. Jenien 93 
 
 81. 3)er (S^inefc in 5Rom 94 
 
 82. S)er @^at?grabcr 94 
 
 83. 2ln fitter 96 
 
 84. 3)er 3AuberIel)rHng 96 
 
 85. S)er 3unggefett unb ber 9J?u^tbarf) 100 
 
 86. @d)tt>eijeratye 102 
 
 87. S)ie aJhifageten 102 
 
 88. Stu bie unftigen 104 
 
 89. ^riit)3eitiger griitjling 104 
 
 90. djaferS tlagelteb .106 
 
 91. 2ij(i)Ueb 107 
 
 92. SRatur unb ^unft, fie fdjeinen ftrf) gu ffiefjen . . . 109 
 
 93. od)$eitlieb 110 
 
 94. 2)er ^attenfcinger 112 
 
 95. S3ergfci)IoB 113 
 
 96. Vanitas ! vanitatum vanitas! . . . . . 115 
 
 97. 2ftepl)iftopf)e(e fpridjt 117 
 
 98. 3Hac^tige Uberrafrf)en 118 
 
 99. S)te Siebenbe abermalS 118 
 
 100. 3n ba tammbuc^ bcr 3e^njal)rigen SSert^a Don ?obcr 119 
 
 101. Ergo bibamus! . 119 
 
VUl CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 102. 93Iumengritj3 . .121 
 
 103. 2ftailieb .121 
 
 104. S)ie friftigen Don 2Beimar 122 
 
 105. 2)er otentanj 122 
 
 106. eiuofynt, gett)an 124 
 
 107. 3>ie ftanbelnbe lo<fe . . . . . . .126 
 
 108. efnnben 127 
 
 109. leicf) unb gletrf) 128 
 
 110. @pat cr!Ungt f tt)a friilj erHang 128 
 
 111. Staffer 128 
 
 112. ott, (Semiit unb SSelt 128 
 
 113. (Spricfjroortlid) 129 
 
 114. (Spigrammatifd) 132 
 
 115. ftunf anberc 134 
 
 116. egtre 134 
 
 117. (gintabung 136 
 
 118. 3ft' mbglt^, ba^ id), SHebrfjen, bid) fofe . . .137 
 
 119. 3)ie SBcIt bureaus ift lieblit^ angufd)queit . . .137 
 
 120. $ omm, Sieb^en, fomm ! itmtwnbe nttr bie 2Jlu^c ! . 137 
 
 121. (Sin tfaifer ^attc jttjci ^ajftcre 138 
 
 122. eftanbniS .... 138 
 
 123. 2Btnf 139 
 
 124. 2Bcr tt)irb Don bcr 28elt toerlangen .... 139 
 
 125. S)ic ^erle, bie bcr 2ftufd)el entrann .... 140 
 
 126. patent 140 
 
 127. Sin rotten 33uj(^etjtt)cigen 141 
 
 128. So man mir ut8 ergetgt, uberatt . . . .141 
 
 129. 3ene garfttgc SScttct 142 
 
 130. tymbolum 143 
 
 131. 3)en 6. 3uni 1816 144 
 
 132. $n Stteyanber Don umbotbt 145 
 
 133. SBattabe 145 
 
 134. Urn 2JHtternad)t . 148 
 
 135. Sin groulein don fitter ...... 149 
 
 136. (Sinlafj 150 
 
 137. uft u " ^ uat 151 
 
 138. SScnn ic^ auf bcm 2Jtarfte ge^' ... .152 
 
CONTENTS. IX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 139. 5)u gingft ttoruber? 2Bie? id) falj bid) ntdjt. . . 152 
 
 140. (Slegte 153 
 
 141. @d)Iofe 93eft)ebere in ber ^benbfonne 158 
 
 142. 33Ub be8 efterlid)en aufe 311 ftranffurt am main . 158 
 
 143. 3m ernften 33einf)au8 roar'8, roo id) befdjaiite . . 159 
 
 144. ebidjte ftnb gemalte ^enftcrfdjeiben ! .... 160 
 
 145. al)me Jenicn 160 
 
 146. >er futfucf it)te bic 9?a<f)tigatt 168 
 
 147. S)ie ftifle ^reube n?oUt i^r ftoren? 168 
 
 148. em aufgeljeuben 3Sottmonbe . . . . " . .169 
 
 149. ornbitrg, (September 1828 169 
 
 150. @etbft erfinben ift fd)5n ; boc^ gliirflid) tion anbern e= 
 fitnbneS . 170 
 
 151. 2ln bie funfeeljn ^reunbe in (Snglanb .... 170 
 
 152. 33iirgerpfUd)t 170 
 
 NOTES 171 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF PERSONS MENTIONED IN THE POEMS 
 
 OR NOTES 276 
 
 INDEX OF FIRST LINES . 283 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 GOETHE'S minor poems, the field in which he is greatest, may 
 be best appreciated and enjoyed, when the circumstances which 
 called them forth are known. They are so much a part of his 
 life that they should be studied in connection with it. His 
 lyrics, ballads, and other short productions in verse, in which 
 sense the word poems is used here, are bound up with his own 
 emotions and experiences in a very unusual degree. 
 
 This is a fact of which he was fully conscious and which he. 
 mentioned more than once in his writings (see, for example, 
 Selections 88, no, 145, 22). From the days at Leipzig on, he 
 felt impelled to turn everything that rejoiced, tormented, or 
 occupied him into verse in order to have done with it. Thus, 
 all that he wrote was, as he expressed it, fragments of one great 
 confession (28erfe, XXVII, no). 
 
 The action and reaction of poems and life have been so fully 
 realized by students of Goethe that they have dated and inter- 
 preted many a poem correctly, as later investigations proved, 
 by finding some happening in his life or some passage in a letter, 
 which reflected the same situation or expressed the same senti- 
 ments. This process of comparing him with himself and of 
 interpreting him by himself has yielded the best results in the 
 past and has by no means lost its value. 
 
 This does not mean that constant reference to Goethe's 
 biography is necessary to make the poems intelligible. With- 
 out such aid they trained and uplifted his contemporaries and 
 may serve the same office for the world to-day. Nevertheless a 
 
 xi 
 
Xll INTRODUCTION. 
 
 knowledge of the outlines, at least, of his life and of the partic- 
 ular circumstances of the origin of the individual poems is very 
 desirable. While a commentary may do much to meet the 
 second of these wants, it can help little to give that broader 
 outlook which is advisable, for the more intimate the reader's 
 knowledge of the life is, the keener will be his enjoyment and 
 the juster his appreciation of the poems. 
 
 It is evident that the chronological order has advantages, 
 which far outweigh its disadvantages, in books like this, which 
 are intended merely to be introductions and to prepare the way 
 for the better comprehension and appreciation of Goethe's great 
 achievements. We may say of many of the poems that they 
 came into being of necessity just when they did, that an earlier 
 or later origin would have been impossible. To study them, 
 therefore, in their relations to what preceded and what followed 
 them is the way to comprehend them best. 
 
 In fact, as the study of Goethe spreads and he becomes more 
 and more the great lyric poet, not merely of Germany, but of 
 the world, the desirability of the chronological order increases. 
 The day of the satisfactory arrangement of the whole of the 
 poems has, however, not yet come, as there are still too many 
 unsolved problems in the field of Goethe investigation. 
 
 It is, of course, not true that all that Goethe wrote, stood in 
 such close relation to his life. Many of his proverbs and epi- 
 grams and also part of his poems dealing with art, science, and 
 the like, for example, are obviously without such connection. 
 Even in the case of lyrics and ballads he sometimes sought his 
 inspiration elsewhere or wrote without it, particularly in his 
 latter years ; but such productions can not generally be con- 
 sidered among his best. 
 
 Many of the poems, however, which appear to be wholly 
 objective, originated in personal experiences. Sometimes this 
 seeming objectivity is due to revision ; more often, it is caused 
 
INTRODUCTION. xili 
 
 by the characteristic manner in which he worked. For example, 
 even those lyrics which are most evidently based on personal 
 experiences, were not, as a rule, written when the stress of 
 emotion was greatest, but at a slightly later time, when the crisis 
 had passed and calm was returning. At such periods he could 
 look back upon his former state as something apart from him 
 and could sing of his recent self, as though he were another. 
 
 This is one of the greatest of the gifts with which he was en- 
 dowed. Through it the most subjective of poets has become 
 one of the most objective. He has that power to move hearts, 
 which comes from personal experience, and yet is saved from 
 the tendency to sentimentality, which is the peculiar danger of 
 the subjective poet. He has the poise, the balance, the self- 
 control of the objective poet without the risk of his coldness. 
 Nature sought to give him the advantages of both without the 
 disadvantages of either. 
 
 It is easy to divide Goethe's life into periods. Its course is 
 marked by certain salient points which the biographer can 
 hardly avoid making the beginnings of new epochs. The same 
 classification is not wholly improper for the poems and is fre- 
 quently used. And yet the strongly marked divisions into 
 which his outward life so naturally falls are less evident in his 
 poems than elsewhere. 
 
 It is very questionable, for example, whether the period of 
 (Sturm unb S)rang with its accompanying literary lawlessness, 
 which is so evident in o, would be noticed at all in the poems 
 of that time, if they stood alone. There is somewhat more of 
 tumultuousness in the thoughts, of boldness in the themes, of 
 the glow of passion in the style than was usual a few years later. 
 All that might be passed over unheeded, however, if his bio- 
 graphy and his other writings did not lead us to look for it. 
 
 The transition to Weimar, which is so strongly marked as the 
 beginning of a new period of his life, leaves not a trace in his 
 
xiv INTRODUCTION. 
 
 poems. On their evidence the reader could never be made to 
 feel that a great change had taken place. The first months at 
 Weimar are rather a continuance of the last at Frankfort, so far 
 as the poems are concerned, and the change, which undoubt- 
 edly came, was later. The Italian journey, so pronounced as 
 an outer mark in the poet's life, is in no way characteristic of 
 his poems, except perhaps for the dearth of them in those 
 months. The strong classic tendencies of which it is supposed 
 to be the token, really began before and culminated afterwards. 
 
 On the other hand, the poems might more justly be divided 
 into smaller groups, representing briefer periods, which the bio- 
 grapher is not so wont to notice. Not infrequently a few lines of 
 verse might be considered the summary of a brief period. 
 Often a single lyric marks a cast-off emotion of which the poet 
 had written that he might be done with it. In view of the 
 multiplicity of such periods and their failure to coincide with 
 the more noticeable events which the biographer properly 
 chooses for his classfication, it is juster and more accurate to 
 leave the poems without division. 
 
 The fact is that it is not proper to speak of development, in 
 the ordinary sense of the term, in Goethe as a lyric poet after 
 the days at Strassburg. From that time on there was often 
 change of interest and of theme, but it can not be truthfully said 
 that the poems grew greater or better. Goethe came * f ~e 
 bound to the full maturity of his power as a lyric poet, and 
 nothing that he produced in after years was better than the best 
 of his Strassburg period and the months immediately following. 
 
 He excelled in one phase of his poetry at one time more than 
 another ; he showed evidence of awkwardness in the use of 
 some metrical forms as he began to employ them and gained 
 greater skill through practice ; he developed interest a. wer 
 in certain lines of thought and certain themes which were 
 foreign to him previously ; his views of life became in many r^ 
 
INTRODUCTION. XV 
 
 spects sounder and maturer ; but all this is very far removed 
 from what we ordinarily call development. There was no 
 steady advance towards the better and a culmination later in 
 the best. His best and his worst may be found at almost any 
 period of his life, from the days at Strassburg to the time when 
 old age made itself manifest. 
 
 There have been few men more industrious than Goethe ; 
 few also, who have waited more on inspiration. He was fond 
 of expressing his manner of working, the way in which his 
 poems came to him, by the word 5lnjdjammg. The moment of 
 clear perception, of inspiration, might come swiftly. Again he 
 might be compelled to carry a theme about with him for a long 
 time, waiting for the inspiration which came tardily or perhaps 
 not at all. His first interest in a subject was not always due to 
 his own experiences. It might come to him in one of various 
 ways, particularly from his reading, for Goethe, like Shakespeare, 
 was in more respects than one "a sturdy borrower." But 
 whatever its origin, it became his own and sought expression. 
 
 Such a poet had necessarily his times of extreme productivity 
 and other periods in which few poems came into existence. 
 The months in Italy are a noticeable illustration. Full as they 
 were of all manner of instruction and profit, crowded as they 
 were with notable achievements in other fields of his literary 
 activity, they show almost nothing in the way of minor poems. 
 Mau_, Another, though briefer, period of like sterility, so far as 
 his lyrics are concerned, could easily be pointed out. As a rule, 
 the poems of the times of greatest productivity are the best. A 
 chronological arrangement must necessarily reveal large gaps 
 and show that the flood of his lyrics advanced by leaps and 
 bounds rather than as a steadily-flowing stream. 
 
 Aso; fffeave already seen, many of Goethe's poems are his 
 own outlived thoughts and emotions turned into poetry. They 
 "--'.is stood for an extreme phase or crisis, which might never 
 
XVI INTRODUCTION. 
 
 return. They were truth itself for the period which they repre- 
 sented, although they might be the strongest contradiction of 
 what came to him later. They were a necessity of his, being, 
 for in no other way could he lay the ghost of a thought or an 
 emotion. His method of procedure explains such remarks as 
 the one quoted in the Notes concerning his 28eft=oftlicf)er 3)it>cm 
 (see page 2.52. below). 
 
 Therefore, he who looks in Goethe's poems for a system of 
 philosophy or a code of well-digested, consistent thought is en- 
 gaged in a vain search. He finds rather a bundle of inconsist- 
 encies, for he finds life. Many of the poems, as the outcome of 
 personal experiences, are merely the extreme expression of an 
 all-dominating idea which seeks outlet, regardless whether it is 
 in harmony with the convictions of yesterday or whether to- 
 morrow's may not give it the lie. 
 
 Nor does Goethe always show perfection in the metrical 
 construction or the rimes of his poems. Even the most inex- 
 perienced can detect lines which scan improperly. Careless and 
 imperfect rimes may be found as easily. Often a poorer poet 
 might be more correct. And yet Goethe's seeming carelessness 
 and inaccuracy are frequently the better art which refuses to 
 neglect sense for sound or is cognizant of the higher harmonies 
 of a language. 
 
 So conscious was he of the harmonious movement of his 
 poems that he had constantly in mind the musical effect of his 
 lyrics and ballads. It may be truthfully said that he has literally 
 sung his way into the hearts of the German people. Musical 
 composers both great and small have shown their appreciation 
 of this quality of his poems by setting so many of them to 
 music (in the case of a few scores and scores of times) . That 
 the impulse has not spent its force is a matter of common 
 knowledge. 
 
 The surest evidence of the increasingly large space which he 
 
INTRODUCTION. xvii 
 
 is occupying in the thoughts of the world is the rapid growth of 
 the literature concerning him. His poems have come in for 
 their share of comment and explanation. This study and in- 
 vestigation have not been without results and find their justifi- 
 cation in Goethe's own words concerning ancient and modern 
 poets, as found in one of his proverbs : 
 
 2)emt bet ben alien lieben Soten 
 33raud)t man (Srflarung, mitt man S^oten; 
 2)ie 9?eiten glaubt man blant 311 Derftefnt; 
 S)od) ofyne Solmetfdj nrirb'8 and) nicijt getjn. 
 
jdbi$$ 
 
 1. 3n 
 t>on ^rie^ictj Ztlayimilian Jttoors. 
 
 ^ranffurt ben 28. 2lugufl 1765. 
 
 (3 fyat ber 5(utor, toenn er frfjretbt, 
 (go etma^ enriffeS, ba^ i^n treibt, 
 3)en Xrteb ^atf aud) ber 5l(ej:anber 
 Unb all bte e(ben mtt ehtanber. 
 
 fc^retb 7 ic^ aurf) at^ter mid) em : 
 mod)t ; ntd)t gem tiergeffen fetn. 
 
 ge^ft! Qtf) murre. 
 ! lag mid) murren. 
 
 biefe3 attb. 
 
 X)ampfenbe Otobernebel 
 $ertt>eben i^r 
 ter ungertrennlid). 
 
(Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 
 
 ebarort 
 
 3nfc!ten r 
 
 Sim fd)ilttgten Ufer 
 tegt bte looflufttge, 
 15 glammenge^lingte 
 
 @eftret(f)e(t t)om 
 
 glie^e fanfte 
 
 3n ber 3ftottbenbtimmerung, 
 
 ^)ort fatten prfenbc $rotett 
 
 20 3ufammenlimfte auf 
 
 (Sdjabett fie ntc^t, 
 SKerben fie fcfyrecfen. 
 
 glic^c biefe^ anb! 
 
 3. Her 
 
 @rft fifet er etne SScilc, 
 ^te @tirn Don Pollen fret; 
 Sluf etnmal fontmt in Ie 
 @ein ganj efit^t ber (Sule 
 SSer^errtem Srnfte M. 
 
 S3. 
 
 @ic fragen, tt)a ba^ fei? 
 >' ober 
 
 (L 
 
 , fie fine's atte 
 
(Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 
 
 4. <5lucf unfc raum. 
 
 )u fyaft ung oft int rawn gefefjen 
 
 3ufantmen $um TOare gefyen, 
 
 Unb bid) a(g gratt unb mid) a(g Sftann. 
 
 Oft nafynt id) tt)arf)enb beinem SUhmbe, 
 
 3n etner itnbenjac^ten tunbe, 
 
 <So Diet man ^ii[fe ne^men fcmtt. 
 
 retnfte (ltd, ba totr em^funben, 
 553ofluft manner retdjen @tunben 
 , n?te bte dt, tntt bem enug. 
 fyttft eg tntr, bag t(^ geniege ? 
 
 3Bte Xraume flte^n bte ttdnnften 
 
 llnb at(e greube tDte cm 
 
 5. 
 
 Sluf tiefeln im ^3arf)e ba Iteg' ic^, tt)te ^efle! 
 SSerbreite bte 3(rme ber lotntnenben SBelfe, 
 Unb bu^terifrf) brittft fie bte feljnenbe ^ntft; 
 ann fit^rt fie ber etd)tfitttt im (Strome banieber; 
 @g na^t fic^ bie ^ttiette, fie ftreit^ett mic^ mieber : 5 
 (So fitfyf ic^ bie gteitben ber med^felnben Suft. 
 
 llnb booty, unb fo traurig, &erfd)(eifft bit tjergebeng 
 
 'Die !oft(tc^en @tunben beg eitenben Sebeng, 
 
 3Bet( bid) bag geliebtefte aRabrf)en tjergigt! 
 
 ), rnf fie juritcf e, bie Dorigen geittn ! 10 
 
 (5g fitftt fic^ fo fitge bte 8ippe ber ^^^tten, 
 
 5l(g !aum fief) bie Sippe ber (Srften gefitgt. 
 
(Soetfyes <Sebid?te. 
 
 6. 
 
 8a ntein 2lng' ben $bfd)ieb fagen, 
 )en ntein Sftttnb nicfyt nefymen lann! 
 (Skitter, tone fitter ift er $n tragen! 
 itttb id) bin bod) fonft ein 
 
 ttirb in biefer (Stttnbe 
 cttft ber iebe ftt|tc ^Pfanb, 
 ber $n t)on beinem 
 ber )rtt(f t>on beiner anb. 
 
 t, ein (eirfjt ge 
 
 ), tpie ^at e micf) ent^iidt! 
 @o erfrenet nn ein $ettcf)en, 
 
 man fril^ im TOr^ gepfludt. 
 
 ici) pflittfe nun !ein ^rcinsdj 
 Sftofe me^r fitr bid). 
 
 15 grilling ift e^ r liebe^ granjdjen, 
 
 2lber leiber erbft fur 
 
 7. 
 
 (S fdjhtg ntein er^, gef^tt)inb 
 @d tt?ar geffjan, f aft el)' gebad)t ; 
 !Der 5lbenb tniegte fd)on bie 
 Unb an ben Bergen ^tng bie 9?acf)t: 
 @c^on ftanb int ?Rebetf(eib bie (Sidje, 
 (Sin aufgetitrmter D^iefe, ba, 
 3Bo ginfternie ane bent eftra'nd)e 
 Wilt ^nnbert fdjmarjen 3lngen fafy. 
 
(Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 
 
 )er 9ftonb uon einem Sollenpget 
 @at) tfagltd) au3 bem mft fyer&or, 10 
 
 )te 2Btnbe fd)tt)angen (eife glitgel, 
 Umfauften fci)auer(td) metn O)r; 
 )te 9^arf)t fd)uf taufenb Ungefjeuer; 
 frtfd) unb fro^(id) ttar mem 3ftut: 
 
 tneinen 3lbem it)etc^e geuer! 15 
 
 tneinem 
 
 fa 1 ^ id), unb bie tnilbe grevtbe 
 
 Don bem fugen 53ti(f auf mid); 
 
 war metn erj an beiner @eite 
 Unb jeber ^Item^ug fitr bid). 
 n rofenfarbneS g 
 Umgab ba^ lieb(id)e 
 Unb 3 a ' r ^td)!ett fitr mtt tfyr otter! 
 3d) ^offt' e$, ic^ ocrbtcnf e^ ntd)t! 
 
 )od) ad), fc^on ntit ber 20?orgenfonne 25 
 
 ^Serengt ber 5lbfc^teb ntir ba er 5 : 
 3n betnen Stiffen welc^e ^Bonne! 
 3n betnem 3Inge tnelc^er (Sc^meq! 
 -3d) gtng, bn ftanbft unb fa^ft jur (grben 
 Unb fa^ft mtr na^ mtt naffem ^3(tcf : 30 
 
 Unb bod), tt)e(d) @(u(f, geltebt gu werben ! 
 Unb Ueben, otter, weld) em lit(f ! 
 
 8. Jttit einem ^ematten 
 
 flletne tinmen, Ketne flatter 
 @treuen mtr mtt Ieid)ter @anb 
 ute junge gritfylingSgotter 
 ^anbelnb auf etn luftig ^3anb. 
 
6 (Soetfyes (Sebtdptc. 
 
 5 
 
 um meiner Itebften 
 itnb fo tritt fie bor ben (Spiegel 
 51(1 in ifjrer SDfomterfett. 
 
 (Steljt ntit D^ofen fid) umcjeben, 
 @elbft tnie etne iRofe jung. 
 ^inen ^It(f, getiebte^ Seben! 
 Unb ic^ bin belo^nt cjennng. 
 
 empfinbet, 
 
 fret mir beine anb, 
 15 Unb ba^ ^3anb, ba un tierbinbet, 
 
 @ei lein fdjttmrfjeS D^ofenbanb. 
 
 9. 
 
 Ijerrltcf) leuc^tet 
 SWir bie 97atur! 
 
 glan^t bie @onne ! 
 bie 
 
 bringen 53(iiten 
 jebent 3^ e ^9 
 Unb taufenb titnmen 
 3lu^ bent eftrtincf), 
 
 Unb grcub ; unb SKonne 
 jcbcr ruft. 
 rb', o @onne, 
 M r o 8uft! 
 
(Soetfyes (Sebicfyte. 
 
 8ieb', o glebe ! 
 golben fdjon, 
 
 SCftorcjenttolfen 15 
 
 jenen irtjtt! 
 
 fegneft 
 frifdje gclb, 
 
 )te t)o(Ie iBeft. 20 
 
 Ueb' id) bid) ! 
 blicft bcin 
 Uebft bit mid)! 
 
 @o Uebt bte Serene 
 efcmg unb Suft, 
 Unb Sftorgenbtumen 
 
 tc^ bid) liebe 
 
 tnartnem 55Iut, 30 
 
 )ie bu tnir 
 Unb greub' unb 
 
 ^u neuen Siebern 
 Unb ^angen gicbft. 
 
 (Set e\tig glittflid), 35 
 
 bu mid) liebft! 
 
(Soetfyes <Sebid?te. 
 
 1C. Stirfrt fcet: Sttdjs, fo gilt fcer 
 
 S^tttage fagen ttrir 
 
 SBolf im $itfy(en ; 
 5lmor fam, unb fttrbt ber 
 er tntt une fotefen. 
 
 meiner greunbe fag 
 grot) bet fetnent er^en; 
 2lmor blteg bte gacEel au^, 
 (gprad) : ter ift ba^ 
 
 Unb bte ga(fe(, it)ie fie g(omm, 
 10 Steg man etttg ipanbcrn; 
 
 britdte fie gefdjiDinb 
 bte anb be^ anbern. 
 
 Unb mir retd)te 
 @ic mtt (Spott unb 
 15 ^anm berit^rt nietn ginger fie, 
 
 entflantnat bte 
 
 (Sengt mir 5lngen itnb @efid)t, 
 @efet bie ^Brnft in glammen, 
 liber meinem gaupte feeing 
 20 gaft bie (ut ^ufammen. 
 
 )od) e brennt beftdnbig; 
 @tatt gu fterben, tt>arb ber 
 Sftedjt bet mir (ebenbig. 
 
(Soetfyes <Sebtd?te. 
 
 11. minfce ttuti. 
 
 O tiebltdje Xfjerefe! 
 
 Sie iwnbett gleid) in$ 33ofe 
 
 )em offneS 2lnge ficfy! 
 
 )ie 5lugen gugebunben, 
 
 aft bit mt^ f^neH gcfunben, 5 
 
 llnb itjarutn fingft bit eben mid)? 
 
 X)it fagteft mt(i) cmfs befte 
 
 Unb ^telteft mid) fo fefte, 
 
 3?c^ fan! in beinen ^og. 
 
 ^aitm trarft bit aitfgebnnbett, 10 
 
 Sar atle 8uft derfdjimmben; 
 
 !Du Itegeft lalt ben 
 
 @r ta^pte ^in nnb tuteber, 
 ^Serrenlte faft bte Iteber, 
 llnb alle foppten t^n. 15 
 
 Unb lotflft bn mid) ntd)t Ueben, 
 @o get)' id) ftets tm Xritben 
 mit nerbitnbnen 5Ingen ^in, 
 
 12. 
 
 (Sal) 'etn ^nab' ein ^Hogtein ftetyt, 
 
 aitf ber eiben, 
 fo jnng nnb morgenfc^on, 
 tef er fc^neU, e0 na^ an fefyn, 
 mit tjielen grenben. 
 n, $Ro(em, ^b^tetn rot, 
 anf ber eiben. 
 
10 (Soeifyes <Sebtd?te. 
 
 $nabe fprad): $d) bredje bid), 
 $RiJ3(etn auf ber geiben! 
 10 3?o3(ein fprad): Qfy ftedje bid), 
 
 )a bu etoig benlft an mid), 
 Llnb id) toilfS nidjt (etben. 
 
 , Moslem, ^Roglein rot, 
 auf ber etben. 
 
 15 Unb ber ftrilbe l!nabe brac^ 
 
 ' Moslem auf ber eiben; 
 
 me^rte fid) unb ftad), 
 i()tn bod) lent 2Bet) uub 
 
 eben (etben. 
 
 20 Sftb'slein, 9?b^Iein, ^Hog(ein rot, 
 
 auf ber etben. 
 
 13. 
 
 ^ebetgeriefel, tm tiefen 
 3m ttnlben 2Ba(b, in ber 2Bintemad)t, 
 ^c^ l)brte ber 5Bblfe ungercjel)eul, 
 3d) ^brte ber (gulen efdjret : 
 n)au wau tt)au! 
 
 fc^o eintnal eine ^a^' am ann, 
 5lnne, ber er/, ifyre fdjinar^e (iebe 
 X)a famen be 9^a^t^ fieben SBemolf $u mtr, 
 Saren fteben, fieben Seiber tiom X)orf, 
 wau tuau tt)au! 
 
 IDO too too 1 
 SBito u! 
 
(Seethes (5ebid?te. 11 
 
 3d) tannte fie alf, id) lannte fie toofyl, 15 
 
 )ie 2lnne, bie Urfel, bie my, 
 
 )ie iefe, bie 23arbe, bie &, bie 33etf) ; 
 
 @ie fyeulten im $reife mid) an. 
 
 tt>au tuau! 
 
 tt)o tDO too ! 20 
 
 SBtto t)it! 
 
 nannf icf) fie ade bet ^atnen laut : 
 
 nriflft bu r 5(nne? n?ag wiflft bu,ct^? 
 !Da riittetten fie fic^ r ba fcpttelten fie fief) 
 Unb Itefcn unb ^eulten bacon. 25 
 
 SBttlc toau iuau man! 
 IDO mo mo! 
 Sito n! 
 
 14. Der 
 
 tt? a n b r e r. 
 
 ott fegne bid), jnnge gran, 
 
 Unb ben fangenben 
 
 5ln beiner ^3rnft 1 
 
 Sag mid) an ber gelfentnanb fyier, 
 
 -3tt be^ Utmbanm^ (Scfyatten, 
 
 3)2eine ^3iirbe ID erf en, 
 
 9?eben btr 
 
 elDerbe treibt bid) 
 be age i^e 
 ftanbigen ^Pfab fyer? 10 
 
12 (Seethes <8ebtd?te. 
 
 33ringft bu Saren au$ ber <Stabt 
 3m 8cmb fyernm? 
 8adjelft, grembling, 
 liber meine grage? 
 
 8? a tt b r e r. 
 
 15 $eine SKaren bring' id) au ber <Stabt 
 
 ^iit)( tDtrb nun ber 9Ibenb; 
 3etge mir ben ^Brnnnen, 
 )rau bn trtnleft, 
 Setbl 
 
 5 ra. 
 
 20 ier ben gelfenpfab ^tnanf. 
 
 tioran! ur^ ebitfcf)e 
 ber ^Pfab nad) ber giitte, 
 
 3u bent ^3rnnnen, 
 25 !iDen id) trinfe. 
 
 ID a n b r c r. 
 
 orbnenber ;3ftenfd)enl)anb 
 
 bem eftrdnc^! 
 
 !Diefe teine ^aft bn nid)t gefitgt, 
 SHeidjfyinftrenenbe 9^atnr! 
 
 $ r a u. 
 
 30 Setter fn'nanf! 
 
 H? a n b r e r. 
 
 $on bem 9)^oo gebecft ein $rd)itrat)! 
 3d) erlenne bic^, bilbenber etft! 
 aft bein @iege( in ben @tein gepragt 
 
(Soetfjes <5ebtd?te. 13 
 
 $rau. 
 
 ^Setter, grembfing! 
 
 W a n b r c r. 
 
 (Sine -3ttfd)ttft, Mer bte id) trete! 35 
 
 (efenl 
 
 SBeggetnanbelt feib ifyr, 
 Xiefgegrabne Sorte, 
 ^Die it)t cures 9)Mfter 5(nbacf)t 
 Slaufenb ^nleln $etgen fodtet. 4 o 
 
 ,5 r a u. 
 
 @tauneft, grembttncj, 
 !Diefe (Stem' an? 
 )robett finb ber @tetne Diel 
 llm tnetne ittte. 
 
 JD a n b r c r. 
 
 )robett? 45 
 
 ,5 r a u. 
 
 ur Sinfen 
 
 0? a n b r e r. 
 
 S^itfen unb ratten! 
 
 5ru. 
 
 tft tnetne ittte. 5 o 
 
 It? a n b r c r. 
 
 Xrnmnter! 
 
 Qttillt .ber 33runnen, 
 !Den id) trtnle. 
 
14 (Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 
 
 W a n b r c r. 
 
 55 litfyenb roebft bit 
 
 Uber behtem wbe, 
 ettiuS! itber bir 
 3ft pfammengeftiiqt 
 )em SWciftcrftad, 
 
 60 O bu Unfterbltrf)er! 
 
 Saif , id) ^oie ba efdg 
 Xrinlen. 
 
 If a n b r c r. 
 
 fjat betne f(i)Ianfe 
 otterbtlbung umfteibet. 
 65 2Bie bu emporftrebft 
 
 5lue bem (Sc^uttc, 
 @au(enpaar 1 
 llnb bit, etnfame (Sc^iDefter bort, 
 
 70 T)Uftre 2J?oo auf bent IjetUgen 
 
 3J?ajeftattfd) traucrnb Ijera&fdjaut 
 
 5luf bie jertritmmerten 
 
 3u cucrn 86^ n / 
 
 (Sure efd)lDtfter! 
 75 3tt be ^Brombeergeftrditc^eS fatten 
 
 X)ecft fie (Sdjutt unb (grbc, 
 
 llnb fyofyeS ra luantt britber ^in. 
 
 (Sdjftfeeft bit fo, 
 
 80 llnempfinb(id) jertriimmerft bu 
 
 )em geiligtum? 
 (Sficft X)tfteln brein? 
 
15 
 
 3Bte ber flnabe fcpftl 
 Siflft bit in ber gittte ruljti, 
 grembitng? SBillft bu Ijter 8 5 
 
 Sieber in bent greien bkiben? 
 (gS ift fitljU 9^imm ben 
 id) Staffer fc^opfen 
 , gieber! fct)Iaf! 
 
 It) a n b r e r. 
 
 ift beine 9?n^! 90 
 
 , in Ijhmnlifdjer @efunb()eit 
 
 ul)ig atntet! 
 gcborcn itber 9teften 
 $ercjangenl)eit, 
 
 ctft anf bir! 95 
 
 2Be(ct)en ber nmfdjivebt, 
 SBirb in fitterfclbftgcfit^l 
 3ebe^ Xag geniejsen. 
 Roller ^eim Ui\tf anf, 
 
 gla'n^enben grit()(ing^ 100 
 
 llnb leucfjte Dor beinen efellen! 
 
 Unb ir>e(!t bie ^3tuten^itl(e meg, 
 
 >ann fteig ? an beinem 33nfen 
 
 !5)ie uolle grncftt 105 
 
 llnb reife ber @onn ? entgegen. 
 
 5 tau. 
 
 efegne ; g ott! Unb frfjlaft er nod>? 
 
 3d) fyabe nif^t^ junt frifd^en Xrnnl 
 
 2tt$ ein @tii(f ^Brot, ba id) bir bieten lann. 
 
16 (Seethes <Sebtd?te. 
 
 W a n b r c r. 
 
 3d) battle Mr. 
 
 2Bte tyerrlid) atteS blityt timber 
 
 Unb gritnt! 
 
 nrirb batb 
 aufe fern 
 us 23om getb. O bleibc, bkibc, SWatm! 
 
 llnb t tnit ttn ba^ 5lbenbbrot. 
 
 XD a n b r c r. 
 
 Da, jttrifcljett betn ematter ^er. 
 Die gittte baute nod) ntetn $ater 
 
 120 5ln 3tege(n nnb be8 @c^uttc @tetnen. 
 
 ier tt)o^nen ttrir. 
 it gab nttrf) einent 2lcfer$tnann 
 llnb ftarb in nnfern 9lrmen. 
 aft bu gefc^Iafen, Iiebe crg? 
 
 125 2Bie er ntunter ift nnb fpieten luilt! 
 
 U? a n b r e r. 
 
 bn ettrig leintenbe, 
 c^affft jeben jnm ennjj be 
 aft beine $inber a((e ntittterlic^ 
 130 TOt (grbtetl an^geftattet, einer utte. 
 
 oc^ bant bie @cf)tt)alb' an ba efttnS, 
 Unfit^tenb, metc^en 
 @ie berflebt j 
 
<Soetfyes(5ebtd?te. 17 
 
 )te SRcmj)' umfpimtt ben golbneu 
 3um SBtnterfyauS fur ifyre 33rut; 135 
 
 llub bu flidft tt)tfd)en ber $ergangeuf)eit 
 (Srfyabne Drummer 
 gitr beine ^Bcbitrfniff 
 nc ittte, o 9J2euf4 
 
 euiefeeft itber rcibern ! - 140 
 
 I, bu gUtdtid) Setb! 
 
 )u triflft nic^t bteiben? 
 
 lt> a n b r e r. 
 
 ott cr^alf 
 
 ; euern ^naben! 
 
 (it(f auf beu 2Beg! 145 
 
 ID a n b r e r. 
 
 fityrt mid) ber 
 T)ort itbern 
 
 W a n b r e r. 
 
 ie cit iff fyin? 
 
 !Dret SWctlen gut. 150 
 
 W a n b r e r. 
 
 , (cite tnetnen ang, 97atur I 
 
18 (Soetfyes (Sebtd?te. 
 
 )en iiber rciber 
 
 i 55 geiliger $ergangenf)eit 
 
 d ttanble. 
 
 SSonn 9lorb gebecft, 
 
 Unb \w bem 
 160 (Sin ^a^e(ti)cilbd)en 
 
 llnb !e^f id) bcmtt 
 
 5lm 5lbenb tjeim 
 
 3ur gittte, 
 
 3Sergolbet t)om (e^ten 
 165 Sa mt(^ empfangen fold) em 
 
 auf bem 
 
 15. 
 
 at afle feme 3ett. 
 9^a^e li)irb tueit, 
 3Banne tuirb fait, 
 
 $)er Sunge n)irb alt, 
 talte iDtrb loarm, 
 Sfteidje wtrb arm, 
 9^arre gefcfyeit, 
 311 feiner 
 
 16. XHlettant unb liritifer. 
 
 fyatf ein ^nab' etne ^laube gart, 
 fdjon oon garben unb bunt, 
 
(Soetljes <Sebtd?te. 19 
 
 ar fyerglid) tieb, nad) $nabenart, 
 eaet au$ feinem 9ftunb, 
 llnb fyatte fo greub' am Xaubcfyen fein, 
 er nicfyt lonnte fief) freuen allein. 
 
 )a lebte nidjt toett ein ^ 
 
 (rfa!)ren unb le^rretcf) unb fc^iria^tg barum; 
 
 )er Ijatte ben ^ttaben mand) <Stimb(em ergo^t, 
 
 ^Bunbern unb Sitgen tierpra^lt unb t>erfd)tna^t. 10 
 
 metnem guc^^ bod) niein a'ube(em getgen!" 
 (ief unb fanb i^n ftretfen in @trduc^en. 
 iel), guc^, mein lieb Xaubletn, ntein Saubc^en f o fd)b'n ! 
 gaft bu bein Xag fo ein ciubd)en gefe^n?" 
 
 )er ^nabe rci^t^. c^t wo^( an; 15 
 5lber e fel)(t nod) mandjeS bran. 
 X)ie gebern, gum (S^empel, finb gu lurg geraten. - 
 !>a fing er an, rupff fid) ben ^Braten. 
 T>er $nabe fd)rie. J)tt mu^t fta'rfre einfe^en, 
 @onft giert^ nic^t, fdjnnnget nicf)t. - 20 
 
 !Da noar'8 na(ft 90^igeburt! unb in 
 brid)t. 
 
 fid) erfennt im Inaben gut, 
 fei t>or giic^fen auf feiner gut. 
 
 17. Das 
 
 (Sin 23ei(d)en auf ber Siefe ftanb, 
 ebMt in fic^ unb unbelannt ; 
 @ U)ar ein 
 
20 (Soetfjes (5ebtd?te. 
 
 Da lam due junge djaferin 
 s SD?it leid)tem @djritt unb munterm 
 
 Dafyer, bafyer, 
 Die 2Biefe fyer, unb fang. 
 
 $d)! benft ba$ 23ei(d)en, toaY id) nnr 
 Die fcfyonfte ^31nme ber 9tatnr, 
 10 2ld), nur ein Itemed 3Bei(d)en, 
 
 33t3 mtc^ ba^ Siebdjen abgeppitcft 
 Unb an bem 33nfen matt gebritcft! 
 3Ic^ nniv ac^ nur 
 (Sin SMertelftimbdjen lang! 
 
 15 51^! aber ad)! ba ^abc^en lam 
 
 Unb nic^t in ad)t 
 (Srtrot ba arme $ei(d)en. 
 @ fan! unb ftarb unb freuf fid) no 
 Unb fterb' id) benn, fo fterb' id) bod) 
 
 20 T)urc^ fie, burd) fie, 
 
 3u il)ren giige 
 
 18. Der ^ioni in 
 
 en ong n 
 ar treu bis an baS rab, 
 Dem ftcrbcnb feine $3uf)le 
 (Sinen golbnen 33edjer gab. 
 
 ^^ ging i^m nid)t^ bariiber, 
 ^r leerf il)n jeben ^mau^ ; 
 Die 5lugen gingen ifym itber, 
 (So oft er tranf barau^. 
 
<5ebid?te. 21 
 
 Unb al$ er lam gu fterben, 
 gatyt' er feine @tabf im Sfteirf), 
 b'nnf afteS fetnem (Srben, 
 )en 23ed)er nirfjt 
 
 fa beim 
 
 fitter um i^n ^er, 
 
 o^em $aterfaale 15 
 
 !Dort auf bem (Scijlofe am 9J?eer. 
 
 !l)ort ftanb ber atte 
 Xranl (et^te eben$glitt 
 Unb luarf ben Ijeit'gen 33ed)er 
 ginnnter in bte glut. 
 
 (r fa^ iljn ftitrgen, trinfcn 
 Unb finlen tief in$ 9J^eer. 
 !Die 5lugen tl)dten i^m finlen, 
 Xranl nie einen Xropfen mefyr. 
 
 19. 
 
 anf bem alten Xnrme fte()t 
 elben cblcr etft, 
 
 faljren ^ei^t 
 
 , btefe @enne tear fo ftarf, 
 fo feft unb tnilb, 
 
 o(i t)on ^ 
 er angefiiHt; 
 
22 (Soetfyes (Sebicfyte. 
 
 fjatbeS Seben ftitrmf id) fort, 
 Sterbeljnf bie alff in 9tol), 
 Unb bn, bu 9ftenfd)ett*Sd)iff(em bort, 
 Satyr' immer, immer 511!" 
 
 2O. Dine ju 
 
 tm (Sommer 1774. 
 
 unb 53afebo\D 
 
 bet Xtfc^ be 
 err e(fer, ber ttar gar nicl)t 
 
 fid) auf einen fc^iDargen aut, 
 einen ^farrer Winter fid) 
 Unb anf bie Dffenbarnncj ftrid), 
 T)ie un^ 3o^anne ber ^ropfyet 
 SWit 9tcitfeln tuo^r ccrficgcln tfjat; 
 ' bie iegel !uq nnb gut, 
 man f)eriat3bitd)fen offnen tfjnt, 
 Unb mag mit einem fyettigen 9?ol)r 
 iibu$ftabt nnb ba^ ^3erlent()or 
 fjodjerftannten 3unger Dor. 
 3^ n)ar inbeS nid)t meit gereift, 
 15 atte ein titcf (Salmen anfgefpeift. 
 
 $ater ^Bafebotu, nnter biefer 
 ^adt einen 3:anjmeifter an feiner 
 Unb jeigt t^m, tt)a^ bie anfe !(ar 
 ^3ei d^rift nnb feinen ^itngern n?ar; 
 20 Unb bag fid)'e gar nid)t giemet je^t, 
 
 man ben inbern bie ^b'pfe net^t. 
 
(Soetfjes (Sebtd?tc. 23 
 
 )rob argert fid) ber anbre fetjr 
 Unb toolfte gar nid)t$ fyoren ntefyr 
 Unb fagt: e$ ttut^te etn Jebe$ ^inb, 
 !Da e in ber Mbel anber^ ftimb'. 25 
 
 Unb icf) be^aglic^ nnterbeffen 
 einen afynen aufgefreffen. 
 
 Unb, tnte nad) @ntman, tuetter 
 SWit etft* unb geuerf^ritten, 
 ^3ro^ete recfjt^ ^)3ropl)ete tinl^, 30 
 
 Seltlmb in ber Smitten. 
 
 21. 
 
 Sag regnen, tnenn e^ regnen \vill, 
 )em ^Better [etnen Sanf; 
 
 ntd)t mef)r regnen nrifl, 
 ton felber anf. 
 
 22. Un 
 
 gort ben raffelnben XrottI 
 ^3ergab gteitet ber 28eg ; 
 (5!(e^ (S(i)tt)tnbe(n jogert 
 SJiir t?or bte @ttrne betn 
 grtfc^, ^olpert e gfetdj, 
 Uber (Stocf nnb tetne ben rott 
 fytnetn! 
 
24 (Soetfyes <5ebid?te. 
 
 fd)on 
 
 eratmenben 
 
 33erg fn'nanf! 
 5luf benn, nidjt' trage benn, 
 trebenb unb fjoffenb I)inan! 
 
 SBcit, ^od), ^errltc^ be 
 15 9?ing^ in^ Seben ^inern, 
 
 33om ebtrg ^um ebtrg 
 @d)ft>ebet ber etrtige etft, 
 eben$ 
 
 3^ e ^ bid) an 
 
 Unb ein grtfdjiing t)erl)et^enber 
 ber @d)mel(e be6 a)?abdjen^ ba 
 bid) ! 9ttir auc^ r 3J?(ibd)en, 
 ^iefen fd)cimnenben Xranl, 
 25 !Diefen frifd)en efunbt)eit^blicf ! 
 
 benn, rafd)er 
 
 bie (Sonne fin!t! 
 
 (g^ ; fie finft, c^ mid) rcifcn 
 
 ^rgretft im s JJ^oore 97ebelbnft, 
 
 30 (Snt^afynte liefer fd)nattern 
 
 Unb ba^ fdjtotternbe ebein. 
 
 STrnnlnen t)om (e^ten <StraI)l 
 natc^, ein genermeer 
 im fc^anmenben 5tug ; , 
 35 Oftid) geblenbeten Xanmelnben 
 
 n ber 
 
(Soetfyes (5ebid?te. 25 
 
 , @d)tt>ager, in$ orn, 
 
 e ben fdjaflenben rab, 
 ber 5rftt8 fcernefynie: nrir fommen, 
 gteidj an ber Satire 40 
 
 )er 2Birt un$ freunblid) empfange. 
 
 23. 
 
 SJftein 
 
 btr I)ter fd)on tt)teber ; 
 )od) tft mtr^ iro^( urn mid) fyerum, 
 X)arum fc^retb' id) bir^ nieber. 
 
 3d) l)olte olb, id) Ijofte Sein, s 
 
 @tellf al(e^ ba pjammen. 
 
 !Da, ba^f id), ba ttrirb Sanne fein, 
 
 el)t mein emalb' in gtamnten ! 
 
 t^af id) bei ber @c^a^e gtor 
 
 tut nnb 9^eic^tum fc^ivarnten; 10 
 
 SOtefdjenfleifd) ge^t altem uor, 
 Urn fid) baran 311 carmen. 
 
 Unb toer nid^t ridjtet, fonbern ftet^ig ift, 
 $5ie id) bin unb ttrie bu bift, 
 !4)en beto^nt attd) bie Arbeit mit enuB ; 15 
 
 iDtrb auf ber SBelt i^ 
 er bletfet nic^t tntt ftnmpfem 
 Sang' efottne^ unb ebratne^ an, 
 er, irienn er nodj fo fittlid) lant, 
 bod) nid)t fonbertid) cerbatit; 20 
 
26 
 
 (Souberu fagt em titcfytig <Sd)iuteubeiu, 
 
 aut ba gut taglofyuermagtg breiu, 
 
 gitllt bi obeu gierig beu $ofal, 
 
 riu!t uub unfcfyt ba$ 9ftaul tt>ol)l uicfyt eiumal 
 
 25 @iel), fo ift 9?atur eiu ^3ud) lebeubtg, 
 lluDerftaubeu, bod) ntd)t untjerftaublic^ ; 
 
 bem eq ^at Diet uub grog 33egef)r, 
 U)o^l iu ber 2Belt fitr greube tDdr 7 , 
 ^ouueufdjem uub aHe ^Bciume, 
 9i^eergeftab ? uub alie Xraume 
 u betu erj ^u fammeftt mit eiuauber, 
 bte Sett burd)tniil)leub ^3aut^, (Solauber. 
 
 Uub nrie mug bM luerbeu, iueuu bu fitfyl 
 ^og bu alle^ iu bir felbft eqieleft, 
 
 35 greube tjaft au beiuer grau uub uttbeu, 
 511^ uod) feiuer iu (Htyfium gefuubeu, 
 31I er ba mit (Sdjatteu lieblid) fdjtuetfte 
 llub au gotbue ottgefta(teu ftreifte. 
 9?id)t iu ^Rom, iu 9)?agua racia, 
 
 40 1)ir im eqeu ift bie Souue ba! 
 
 SBer mit feiuer Gutter, ber 97atur, firf) 
 giub't im @teugelg(a tt)of)l eiue SBelt. 
 
 24. promet^eus. 
 
 beiueu gimmet, 
 SBoltettbuuft 
 llub libe, bem ^uabeu gleid), 
 
(Soetfyes <5ebtd?te. 27 
 
 In (gidjen bid) imb 33erge$f)b'l)n ; 5 
 
 2D?nj}t tntr tneine (Srbe 
 
 )od) toffen ftefjn, 
 
 llnb metne ittte, bie bit nidjt gebant, 
 
 Unb metnen erb, 
 
 Um beffen Iut 10 
 
 )n nttc^ benetbeft. 
 
 3d) tenne nidjts 
 
 Unter ber @onn 7 , a(3 end), otter! 
 
 3^r na^ret fitmmerlidj 
 
 33on Dpferftenern 15 
 
 llnb ebetgt)anc^ 
 
 Snre SWajcftftt, 
 
 Unb barbtet, tnaren 
 
 ^td)t Itnber nnb Settler 
 
 |)offnnng$t>otte X^oren. 20 
 
 !Da id) ein tnb mar, 
 
 ngte too an noc^ ein, 
 
 ' tdj mein t)erirrt'ed 5(nge 
 
 <Sonne, at toenn britber war' 
 Gmt )^r, gu l)b'ren meine $lage, 25 
 
 (Sin el lr ir) ^ e ttt e fa3> 
 
 be^ ^Bebrdngten jn erbarmen. 
 
 a mtr 
 SBiber.ber Xttanen Ubermnt? 
 
 rettete com obe mid), 30 
 
 f(at)eret? 
 aft bn nic^t alle fclbft Doflenbet, 
 ei(ig glit^enb 
 
28 (Soetfycs (Sebicfyte. 
 
 llnb glitfyteft Jung unb gut, 
 35 33etrogen, 9tfettung$bcmf 
 
 ba broben? 
 
 3d) bid) efn-en? SBofitr? 
 
 aft bit bie @d)mer$en gelinbert 
 
 3e be$ 23e(abenen? 
 40 aft bu bte X^rcinen gefttttet 
 
 3e be^ eiingfteten? 
 
 at ntd)t mid) gum !3ftcmne gefd)mtebet 
 
 ^)te aKmadjtige 
 
 llnb ba$ etnige 
 45 Sfteine errn unb beine? 
 
 Sdljnteft bu etlua, 
 Sty fottte ba eben Ijaffen, 
 3n ^Bitften flie^en, 
 Sett nid)t alle 
 50 ^Btittentraume reiften? 
 
 ier fi^' ic^ r forme 30?enfd)en 
 9^ad) memem ^Bilbe, 
 (Sin efd)ted)t, ba mtr gletd) fei, 
 3u (eiben, gu njetnen, 
 
 55 3 U genie^en unb gu freuen fid), 
 
 Unb betn nid)t ju adjten, 
 
 25. Heue Ciebc neues Ccbcn. 
 
 rnetn erg, n?a^ fofl ba geben ? 
 bebranget bid) fo fefyr? 
 ein frembe^, neue Ceben ! 
 erfenne bid) nid)t me^r. 
 
(Soetfjes <5ebtd?te. 29 
 
 2Beg tft alfe$, toaS bu (tebteft, 5 
 
 Seg, luarum bu bid) betrubteft, 
 2Beg bein gleig unb betne 
 2ld), une lamft bu nur bap ! 
 
 geffett bid) bie 
 
 )iefe Iteblidje eftatt, 10 
 
 X)tefer ^3lt(f t)o(I reit' uub Ute, 
 
 uueubltdjer elualt? 
 
 id) rafd) mid) i^r eut^ie^eu, 
 
 ermauneu, t^r eutflieijett, 
 
 mid) im 5(ugeub(i(f, 15 
 
 2ld), meiu 2Beg p ifyr ^uritcf. 
 
 Unb au biefem 3 a wberfabd)eu, 
 Dd^ fid) uid)t gerreigeu Itigt, 
 a(t ba^ (iebe, lofe TObdjen 
 
 fo tt)tbcr Sideu feft; 
 
 iu i()rem 
 
 Seben uuu auf if)re 
 X)ie 3Seranbrung, ad), inie grog 
 tebe 1 ?iebe I lag mid) 
 
 26. 3u ben Ceiben 5es juittjen 
 
 3eber 3ttg(mg fe()ut fid), fo ju lieben 
 3cbe TOibdjeu, fo geliebt ju fein ; 
 5ld), ber ^eitigfte t>ou unferu ^riebeu, 
 SBarum quidt au^ il)m bie grimme 
 
 ^)u 'betoemft, bu tiebft if)u, (iebe @ee(e, 
 
 9?etteft feiu eba'^tni^ DOU ber 
 
 bir tt)itt!t fein eift au^ feiner 
 
 ein 9J^ann unb folge mir ntd)t nad). 
 
30 (Soetfjes <5ebtd?te. 
 
 27. Uuf fcem Sec, 
 
 Unb frifdje Sprung, neueS 23lut 
 
 id) au$ freier Selt ; 
 ift Sftatur fo l)otb unb gut, 
 )ie midj am Sufen Ijciltl 
 )te SBclIc wtcget unfern al)tt 
 3m 9?ubcrtaft ^inauf, 
 Unb ^Berge, trol!ig Ijimmelan, 
 ^Begegnen unfevm 8auf. 
 
 ', mem Slug 1 , tt>a finlft bu nieber ? 
 10 olbne Xrautnc, lommt it)r iDtcber ? 
 
 Seg, bu Xraum ! fo olb bu btft ; 
 tcr auc^ Sieb' unb Seben ift. * 
 
 5luf bcr ^Belle btinlen 
 Xaufenb fd)tuebenbe (Sterne, 
 
 15 2Beic()e s JJebel trtnfcn 
 
 9^tng^ bte tiirmenbe gcrne ; 
 9)?orgentrinb umftitgelt 
 )ie befdjattete ^3ud)t, 
 Unb im @ee befpiegelt 
 
 20 (Sid) bte reifenbe grudjt. 
 
 28. t>om 
 
 2Benn id), liebe Sili, bid) nid)t liebte, 
 2Beld)e SBonne gab' mir biefer ^3li(f 1 
 Unb bod), toenn ic^, Cilt, bic^ nic^t liebte, 
 
 id) fyier unb fa'nb' id) bort mein ($lutf ? 
 
(Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 31 
 
 29. Sunfcesliefc. 
 
 alien gnten tnnben, 
 
 Don 8teb' unb 2Bein, 
 biefe$ ieb tierbnnben 
 nn$ gefnngen fetn ! 
 
 ^alt ber ott jufammen, 5 
 
 unS t)terl)er gebrad)t. 
 (grneuert unfre gtammen, 
 ^r ^at fie angefac^t. 
 
 <So gtii^et fro^ttc^ petite, 
 
 recfjt Don ei l en e ^- I0 
 
 trtnlt crncuter grenbe 
 la beg ed)ten 2BcmI 
 in ber fyofben @tunbe 
 an, nnb litffet trcu, 
 
 jebem neuen ^Bitnbe, 15 
 
 attcn mieber neu! 
 
 SBcr (ebt in unferm 
 Unb lebt ntdjt felig brin? 
 enie^t bie frctc SBcife 
 Unb treuen ^3rnberfinn! 
 @o bletbt burd) alle $eiten 
 
 SSon leinen Ieinigleiten 
 nnfer 33unb geftort. 
 
 ^at em ott gefegnet 25 
 
 SWit freient geben^blic!, 
 Unb afleg, tta begegnet, 
 (Srneuert nnfer (it(f. 
 
32 (5oetf?es (5cbtd?te. 
 
 )urd) riflen nicfyt gebrimget, 
 30 SScrftiidt fid) leine nft ; 
 
 )nrd) gierm tttdjt geenget, 
 (Sdjffigt freter unfrc JBruft. 
 
 jebem ^rfjritt lotrb iwciter 
 rofc^c Seben^baljn, 
 35 llttb Better, tmmer Better 
 
 (Stetgt uttfer ^3Ii(f fjinan, 
 lln^ tutrb e ntmmer bange, 
 3Benn attc ftetgt unb faflt, 
 Unb btetben lange, (ange ! 
 40 2luf enrig fo gefellt. 
 
 30. Cilis part. 
 
 3ft boc^ feine Menagerie 
 (So bunt al$ mctner i^ilt t^re! 
 @tc ^at bartn bte nmnberbarften Xtcrc 
 Unb friegt fie 'rein, n?eig felbft ntdjt nne. 
 5 D, tt)te fie Ijitpfen, laufen, trappeln, 
 SOttt abgcftumpftcn gUtgeln Weln, 
 5)ic armen ^ringen allgutnal, 
 -3tt nie gelofd)ter 8icbcqual! 
 
 w iBic tytejj Me gee? Silt?" gragt ntcf)t nac^ 
 10 $ennt i^r fie nirf)t, fo bantet ott bafitr. 
 Selc^ ein ercmfd), lueld) ein egacfer, 
 2Benn fie fic in bie pre ftedt 
 Unb in ber anb ba gutterforbdjen 
 ein equief, toeld) ein equocfer! 
 
(Beetles <Sebtd?tc. 33 
 
 , afle 23itfcf)e 15 
 
 @d)einen (ebenbtg 311 tnerben: 
 @o fturjen fief) ganje erben 
 $n ifyren giigen; fogar tm Baffin bie gifdje 
 ^Patfd)en nngebulbig mit ben $opfen fyercmS. 
 llnb fie ftreut bann ba$ gutter au^ 20 
 
 9Rit emetn ^BUtf otter ju ent^Men, 
 efd)tteige bte ^3eftien. !Da cjel)t'$ an ein ^Stcfen, 
 5(n ein @cf)fitrfen, an etn ad en ; 
 @ie ftitr^en emanber itber bie 9iacfen, 
 
 fid), brancjen fid), ret^en fid), 25 
 
 fid), angften fic^, betpen fic, 
 llnb ba$ all nnt ein (gtutfdjen ^3rot, 
 , trodten, an ben fdjonen anben 
 
 in ^mbrofia gcftccf t. 
 
 Slber ber ^3(tcf anc^! ber on, 3 
 
 fie ruft: $tyi! ^t! 
 
 ben 5lbler ^wpiter^ tiont ^ron; 
 
 3enu Xaubenpaar, 
 3a, ber eit(e ^3fan fogar, 
 
 -3d) fd)tt)ore, fie lamen, 35 
 
 2Benn fie ben Xon ton toeitem nnr 
 
 fo ^at fie au^ be^ SalbeS 
 ^inen ^3aren, ungeledt nnb ungegogen, 
 llnter t^ren ^3efd)(u fyereinbetrogen, 
 llnter bie ja^me ^ompanie gebradit 40 
 
 llnb ntit ben anbem ja^m gemad)t: 
 
 auf einen gemiffen ^nn!t, tierfte^t fid)! 
 
 fd)on nnb, ad^! tuie gnt 
 @d)ien fie gu fetn! Qfy fytitte mein ^3(nt 
 egeben, nm i^re -Q3(nmen gn begie^en. 45 
 
34 (Soetfyes (Sebtdjte. 
 
 ,,3l)r [aglet: id)! 2Bie? 2Ber?" 
 ut benn, iljr gerrn, grab an$ : 3d) bin ber 33ar ; 
 3n etnem gtletfdjnrg gefangen, 
 5ln cittern eibenfaben ifyr gn git^en. 
 50 )oci) tt)ie ba alle pgegcmgett, 
 
 ^ ettc^ jttr attbertt tit ; 
 bin id) gu ttjittig l)eut. 
 
 , fya 1 fte^ ic^ f o an ber 
 
 Unb ^or' t)on tDeitem ba efdjnatter, 
 55 <Sef)' ba^ eflitter, bag cflattcr, 
 
 $el)r' ic^ ntid) nm 
 
 Unb bnitntn', 
 
 Unb renne rittftncirt^ eine @trede, 
 
 Unb fef)' ntic^ nm 
 60 Unb brntntn', 
 
 Unb tanfe itrieber eine (Strecfe, 
 
 Unb le^r' bod) enblid) it)ieber nm. 
 
 fa'ngfs anf einntal an gn rafen, 
 ^in ntac^fger eift fdmanbt an$ ber 
 
 65 @ rt)i(b$t bie innere 97atnr. 
 
 SKa^, bn ein fyor, ein a^d)en nnr! 
 (So ein ^ipi ! (5id)l)ornd)en, 9^n6 jn fnad en ! 
 -3d) ftraube meinen borft'gen 9^a(fen, 
 3n bienen nngett)b^nt. 
 
 70 (Sin jebe$ anfgeftnt^te ^Banntc^en l)b'I)nt 
 
 9J?ic^ an! 3d) PW t)0m ^3on(ingreen, 
 3Som nieblic^ gtatt gema^ten rafe ; 
 )er ^3nd)^banm gie^t tnir eine 9?afe, 
 3d) flie^ ine bunlelfte ebitfd)e ()in, 
 
(Soetfjes (Sebicfyte. 35 
 
 mrd) el)ege ju bringen, 75 
 
 iiber bie ^(cmfen gu fpringen! 
 Sftir aerfagt $(ettern unb (Sprung, 
 (gin Dauber bleit mid) nteber, 
 gin 3anber fytifeft mid) nriber, 
 
 arbeite mid) ab, nnb bin id) matt genmtg, 80 
 n (teg' id) an getimfteften ^a^laben 
 Unb fau' nnb tDein' nnb tualje t)alb micf) tot, 
 Unb, ad) ! e$ ^b'ren meine 
 
 porjedanene Oreaben. 
 
 Sluf etnmal! $d), e bringt 8 5 
 
 (gin feligeS efitl)( bnrc^ a((e meine lieber! 
 
 ift^, bie bort in ttjrer Saube fingt! 
 
 Ijore bie liebe, tiebe timme tuieber, 
 
 gan^e Snft ift itwrm, ift bliitetioll 
 Wtf), fingt fie tt)of)(, bag i^ fie fjoren foil? 90 
 
 3^ bringe p, tref a((e @trand)e nieber, 
 Die 33itfd)e flie^n, bie ^Banme tt>eid)en mir, 
 Unb fo $n i{)ren gitgen Uegt ba 
 
 @ic fiel)t e an: ,,n Unge^ener! bod) brollig! 
 
 giir einen 33aren gu mitb, 95 
 
 glir einen ^3nbe( jn lt)ilb, 
 
 @o gotttg, ta'pfig, Inollig!" 
 
 @ie ftreidjt i^m mit bem gupdjen itbern D^ittfen; 
 
 @r benft im ^arabtefe ^n fein. 
 
 3Bie i^n alle fieben @inne jitden! 100 
 
 Unb fie fie()t ganj gelaffen brein. 
 
 -3d) fitff i^r @c^u^e, !an ; an ben Soften, 
 
 @o fittig, a(3 ein ^3ar nnr mag ; 
 
36 (Soetfyes (Bebicfyte. 
 
 facfyte fyeb' tdj mid) unb fd)itinge mid) 
 105 ei$ an ifyr $nie 2lm gimffgen ag 
 
 at fie'3 gefdjefyn unb traut mir nm bie Dtjren 
 
 llnb patfdjt mid) mit mutiDtdtg berbem 
 
 Sty Innrf, in SBonne neu geboren ; 
 
 2)ann forbert fie mtt fit^em, ettlem 
 no Allans tout doux ! eh la menotte ! 
 
 Et faites Serviteur, 
 
 Comme un joli Seigneur. 
 
 (So treibt fie'S fort mit &$id unb Sadjen! 
 
 @ ^offt ber oft betrocme X^or; 
 us T)oc^ itjill er fid) ein bij^djen unnit^ madjen, 
 fie it)n furj alS lr>ie 
 
 I)at fie. aud) etn 
 feiner (Srbe onig gleid)t, 
 2Bot)on fie wo^t einmat, con Cieb' unb 5treu 
 
 120 Urn bie t>er(ed)$ten %\$\)en i^re^ UngefyeuerS 
 (Sin Xropfc^en mit ber gingerfpit^e ftreic^t, 
 Unb \rteber flie^t unb mid) mir itberla'ftt, 
 llnb id) bann, Io$gebunben, feft 
 ebannt bin, immer nad) iljr jie^e, 
 
 125 @ie fud)e r fd)aubre, inieber fliefye - 
 
 (So ta'gt fie ben gcrftortcn. Airmen ge^n, 
 
 3ft feiner 8uft, ift feinen (Sc^mei^en ftitt ; 
 
 a 1 mandjmal Itiftt fie mir bie ^l)itr ()a(b offen fte^n, 
 
 (geitblicft mid) fpottenb an, ob id) nid)t flteljen tt)iK. 
 
 130 Unb id)! otter, tft'8 in euren anben, 
 
 bum^fe 3 au ^ erit)e ^ S^ enben, 
 banf id), n?enn ifyr mir bie gretl)eit fdjafft! 
 
(Soetfyes (5ebid?te. 37 
 
 )od) fenbet ifjr tnir leine i(fe nieber - 
 
 gan$ itmfonft reef' id) fo meine lieber : 
 fiiljl's! %fy fdjntfr'Sl 9?od) IjabMd) flraft 135 
 
 31. Un ein golfcnes Ijer?, fcas cr am ^alfc 
 
 ^ngebenfen bit tierftungner grcube, 
 id) tmtner nod) am a(fe trage, 
 
 bu (anger a($ ba eetenbanb im beibe? 
 erlangerft bit ber iebe lurje 
 
 ^Ue^ ; ic^, tlt, dor bir ! 9Wug nod) an betnem 
 )urd) frembe Sanbe, 
 
 feme l)a'Ier unb SBa'Iber maden! 
 
 8tU' crj lonnte fo batb nic^t 
 
 nteinem eqen fallen. 
 
 ein 33oge(, ber ben gaben bric^t 10 
 
 Unb ^nm SBalbe !el)rt, 
 (Sr fd)(eppt be6 efftngmffes edjnta^, 
 9^od) ein (Stiidc^en be^ gaben^, nac^ ; 
 (5r tft ber a(te freigeborne ^Bogel nicfyt, 
 (Sr ^at fd)on jemanb ange()b'rt. 15 
 
 32. 
 
 3nt gelbe fd)(eid)' tc^ ftiU nnb nnlb, 
 efpannt mein geuerrol)r. 
 )a fd)ii)ebt fo Uc^t betn liebeS 
 mtr uor. 
 
38 (Soetfjes <Scbid?tc. 
 
 s )u ttmnbelft je^t tuofyl ftift unb milb 
 
 )urd) gelb unb ItebeS fyal, 
 llnb, ad), metn fdjnett tierraufdjenb 
 @tcKt P bir j Tttdjt emrnal? 
 
 , ber bie 2Bett bur^ftreift 
 Unmut unb 33erbru, 
 Often unb nacf) Seften fc^tDcift, 
 cr bid) toff en mug. 
 
 tft c, ben!' ic^ nur an bid), 
 31* in ben SDfamb a^ f^n; 
 15 (Sin ftifler griebe lommt auf 
 
 nic^t, n>ie mir gefc^eljn. 
 
 33. Hn Cili. 
 
 3n etn exemplar ber tella, 1776. 
 
 3m Ijolben X^at, auf fdineebeberften 
 2Bar ftct bein ^Bilb mir naf); 
 
 urn mid) in listen Swollen 
 
 (Smpfinbe. fyier, tuie mit a(Imad)t'(;em Xriebe 
 (gin erj ba* anbre 
 Unb baft DergebenS 
 3Sor giebe lict. 
 
 34. 
 
 )er bu Don bent immel bift, 
 
 Seib unb (Sdjmer^en ftilleft, 
 , ber boppelt elenb ift, 
 mit (grquidung fulleft, 
 
(Soetfjes (5ebtd?te. 39 
 
 ), id) bin be3 reiben$ ntitbe ! 5 
 
 foil all bcr @rf)mer$ unb 8uft? 
 r griebe, 
 $ontnt, ad), !omm in meine 33rnft! 
 
 35. 
 
 Sarnnt gabft bn nn$ bie tiefen 331id'e, 
 llnfre 3nfnnft af)nnng$t>oll jn fdjann, 
 Unfrer ^iebe, unfenn 
 SSa^nenb felicj ninuner 
 Sarum gabft nn^, @d)i(ffal, bie efit^te, 
 \ln% einanber in ba$ eq p fefyn, 
 Unb bnrd) all bie feltenen @ettmi)te 
 llnfer loa^r SSerpltni^ au^nfpa'fyn? 
 
 ), fo Dtele tanfenb 9ftenfd)en lennen, 
 
 fid) treibenb, lanm il)r eigen 
 <Sd)tteben 5tr>ectlo ^in nnb ^er unb rennen 
 goffnung3(o3 in nnt)erfel)nen (Sdjtneq ; 
 -Sciudi^en tuieber, tnenn ber fd)netlen greuben 
 Unertnarfte 9)2orgenrote tagt; 
 9^nr nn armen liebetjollen 33eiben 15 
 
 3ft bag tpe^fetfeit'ge 1M uerfagt, 
 Un gu lieben, ol)n ; nn gu t?erfte^en, 
 3n bent anbern fe^n, wag er nie war, 
 -3mmer fvtfc^ auf ranmglM angjngeljen 
 Unb jn fc^wanlen and) in Xranntgefafyr. 20 
 
 ), ben ein leerer ranm befc^aftigt, 
 (ic^, bent bie ^nnng eitel toaY ! 
 egentnart nnb jeber $8lid belra'ftigt 
 Xrannt nnb 5Il)ntmg leiber nng noc^ ntefjr. 
 
40 (Soettjcs <5ebtd?te. 
 
 25 (&atf, nwg ttrifl bag @d)irffa( nng bereiten? 
 
 <Sag 7 , trie banb eg nng fo rein genau? 
 2(dj, bit marft in abgelebten $eiten 
 Sfteine d)tt>efter ober meine grau. 
 
 $annteft jeben 3^9 . meinem 2Befen, 
 30 (Spa^teft tnie bte reinfie Sftertoe !(ingt, 
 
 ^onnteft mid) mtt etnem ^Blicfe (efen, 
 !Den f o fd)er ein fterblid^ Slug' bur^bringt ; 
 2:ropfteft ^agigung bem fjeifcen ^Blutc, 
 9?ic^teteft ben tt)i(ben, irren 8auf, 
 35 Unb in beinen GmgelSarmen rnljte 
 
 !Dte gerftortc ^Bruft fid) ivieber anf; 
 tcltcft saitber(eid)t i^n angebunben 
 Unb Dcrgaufcftcft ifym ntand)en ^ag. 
 ^Betc^e eligfctt glid) Jenen Sonneftunben, 
 40 X)a cr banlbar bir $n git^en tag, 
 
 5*it()It 7 fein eq an betnent erjcn 
 gu^tte [id) in beinem 5lnge gnt, 
 2lUc feine @innen fid) er^cttcn 
 Unb bernfyigen fein branfenb 53lut! 
 
 45 Unb Don aflem bem ft^njcbt ein (Srinnern 
 
 nod) nm ba nngetDiffe erg, 
 bie alte SBafyrfyeit emig g(etd) im 
 Unb ber nene 3 u P an ^ ^M ^) 
 Unb lt)ir fd)einen nn^ nur l)a(b befeetet, 
 50 )a'mmemb ift um nn ber fyellfte Xag. 
 
 ttc^, bag ba <Sd)itffal, bag nng qnalet, 
 boc^ nic^t tjeranbern mag! 
 
(Beetles (Sebtcfyte. 41 
 
 36. Hafilofe Ciefre. 
 
 )em (Sconce, bem SRegett, 
 )em 2Bmb entgegen, 
 3m $)ampf ber litfte, 
 )urd) ftebelbitfte, 
 
 3mmer git! ^turner 311! 5 
 
 unb 
 
 gicbcr burrf) etbett 
 
 mid) fdjlagen, 
 fo t)tcl greuben 
 
 ertragen. 10 
 
 ^etgen 
 
 ), ii)te fo etgen 
 
 foil td^ pieljen? 15 
 
 gteljen? 
 oergeben^I 
 
 IM ofjne 
 
 Stebe, btft bit! 20 
 
 37. 
 
 d) wei nid)t, tra mir ^ter gefallt, 
 ti btefer engen, lleinen 
 
 SSergeff i(^ boc^, tergeff ic^ gent, 
 
42 (Soetfjes (5ebtd?te. 
 
 2Bie feltfam mid) ba$ (Scfyirffal (ettet; 
 Unb, ad), id) fiifyle, nafy unb fern 
 3ft mir nod) mancfyeS gubereitet 
 D, toare bod) ba$ recite SJIafe getroffen I 
 Sag bletbt mir nun, at^ r etngetjitlft, 
 35on ^olber Seben^fraft erfitlft, 
 ^n [titter egenwart bie 
 
 38. Seefatjrt. 
 
 Sange Xag' "unb 9lad)te ftanb metn c^iff befrac^tet ; 
 ttnff ger Stnbe ^arrenb, fag mtt treuen greunben, 
 9Jiir ebulb^unb guten 9)M eqec^enb, 
 3f im afen. 
 
 5 Unb fie toaren bo)3pelt ungebulbtg : 
 
 erne gonnen wir bie fcfyneftfte ^Hetfe, 
 
 ern bie fjofje gat)rt bir; ttterfittte 
 
 SBartet britben in ben SBelten betner, 
 
 Sirb ^Hitctfel)renbem in unfern Airmen 
 10 8ieb ; unb ret^ bir. 
 
 Unb am friifyen S^orgen tt)arb 7 etiimmel, 
 Unb bem @rf)(af entiauc^gt un ber 3^atrofe, 
 5ltte^ tt)immett, aUeS tebet, niebet, 
 %ttit bem erften (SegenSfyaucI) ju fdjiffen. 
 
 15 Unb bie @ege( blii^en in bem 
 
 Unb bie @onne locft mit geuerliebe; 
 ^ie^n bie @ege(, jie^n bie ^of)en SKoifen, 
 -3aucf)gen an bem Ufer atte greunbe 
 
(Soetfyes <5ebtd?te. 43 
 
 |)offnung$lieber nad), im greubetaumel 
 SReifefreuben tucifynenb, tme be$ ($infd)iffmorgen, 20 
 bev erften fyofyen ternennadjte. 
 
 Slber gottgefanbte 2Bed)feht>mbe treiben 
 (geittnarts ifyn ber t>orgefte(ften gafyrt ab, 
 llnb er fdjeint fief) t^nen tjin^ugeben, 
 (Strebet (etfe fie 311 itberltften, 25 
 
 bem 3^ e( ^ auc ^ au f ^ em f^tefen 
 
 5lber au ber bumpfen grauen gerne 
 
 ^itnbet letfeiDcmbelnb fid) ber @turm an, 
 
 >rMt bte 33bcjel nteber auf^ ettmffer, 
 
 rit(ft ber 9J^enfd)en ft^tneKenb er$ barnieber, 30 
 
 Hub er fommt. 33or feinem ftarren Sitten 
 
 @tretft ber @d)iffer Kug bie @ege( nieber, 
 
 3D^it bem angfterfitttten Me fpielen 
 
 Stub itnb 
 
 Unb an jenem Ufer britben fteljen 35 
 
 greunb' unb Sieben, "beben auf bem geften : 
 
 5ld), ivarunt ift er nid)t fyier geblteben ! 
 
 5ld>, ber (Sturm 1 $erfd)fagen tr>eg tom litcfe! 
 
 @oll ber ute fo gu runbe getjen? 
 
 m, er folite, ad), er fdnnte! otter! 40 
 
 )od) er fte()et mannltc^ .an bem <2>teuu- ; 
 bem @d)iffe fpielen 3Binb unb SeUen; 
 unb Seden nid)t mit feinem eqen: 
 errfd)enb bticft er auf bie grimme 2:iefe, 
 Unb tiertrauet, fdjeiternb ober lanbenb, 45 
 
 (Seinen bttern. 
 
44 (Soetfyes (5cbtd?te. 
 
 39. 
 
 , ba$ agit)erl meiner anbe, 
 of)e$ liirf, bag tcfy'S fcoflenbe ! 
 Sag, o tag mid) ntdjt ermatten ! 
 9?ein, e3 finb nid)t (eere Xraurne : 
 Qtyt nur @tangen r btefe SBa'mne 
 eben etnft noc^ grudjt unb fatten. 
 
 4O. 
 
 tierntmmt mid) ? ac^ r luem foil tdj'S Kacjen ? 
 
 &enta'f)me, it)itrb' er mid) bebauern ? 
 ), bie Sippe, bie fo mandje greube 
 
 genoffcn tjat unb fonft gegeben, 
 3P gefpalten, unb fie fd)merjt erbarmlid). 
 Unb fie ift nid)t etttia iDitnb getnorben, 
 SBeit bie Siebfte mid) gir tt)i(b ergrtffcn, 
 mid) angebiffen, bag fie fefter 
 be grennb^ berfidjernb itjn genoffe : 
 97ein, ba$ jarte Sippd^en ift gefprungen, 
 nun iiber 9?eif unb groft bie SKinbe 
 nnb fcfyarf unb Iteb(o mir begegnen. 
 
 Unb nun foil mir aft ber ebten Xraube, 
 Wlit bem @aft ber ^3ienen bei bem geuer 
 15 2)^eine^ crb Dereinigt, Sinbrung fc^affen. 
 ld) r nia6 tti(( bag Ijelfen, mifc^t bie Siebe 
 ein Xroden i(re6 ^Balam^ brunter? 
 
(Soetfyes (5cbtd?te. 45 
 
 41. 
 
 getger ebnnfen 
 
 $lagen 
 SBenbet lein @(cnb, 
 ntc^t fret. 
 
 Mien cwaltcn 
 ^um 2^ru^ fid) er^ alien, 
 s JHmmer fic^ beugen, 
 trafltg fid) jetgen 
 
 bie tone 
 otter ^erbet. 
 
 42. ^arjreife *w Winter. 
 
 Dem eier gletdj, 
 
 r, auf fd)tt)eren 9ftorgenn)o(fen 
 fanftem Sittig ru^enb 
 ^Beute fdjaut, 
 @d)it)ebe rnetn 8ieb. 5 
 
 Denn ein ott !^at 
 
 ^orgejeic^net, 
 ber lurfttdje 
 
 jum freubigen 10 
 
 rennt : 
 aber Ungtiid 
 
46 (Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 
 
 jufammengog, 
 G?r ftraubt t>ergeben$ 
 
 15 @id) gegen bie ^djranlen 
 
 )e$ efyernen gabenS, 
 )en bie bod) bittre @d)ere 
 e in ma I (oft. 
 
 i(^ ba rau^e 
 llnb tntt ben ^perltngen 
 gaben langft bie SReidjen 
 3fn i^re (Sumpfe fid) gefenft. 
 
 eid)t iff fotgen bem SBagen, 
 25 !^)en gortitna fil^rt, 
 
 2Bie ber gemcid)Ud)e Xrog 
 5Iuf gebefferten 3Begen 
 tnter be gitrften (Sittpg. 
 
 3Iber abfctW mer iff? 
 
 30 3n3 ebufc^ ocrltert fid) fein 
 
 inter i()tn fd)(agen 
 S)ie @trdnd)e gufammen, 
 2)a ra ftefyt mieber auf, 
 ie Dbe t>erfd)Iingt tljn. 
 
 35 Sid), luer Ijettet bie @c^tncrgctt 
 
 IDc*, bem 23alfam 311 ift arb? 
 !^er fid) 9J?enfd)enf)a 
 9lu* ber guile ber tfiebe tranf? 
 (5rft Dcradjtct, nun ein SBcrSt^tcr, 
 
 40 3 e ^) rt & ^eimlid) auf 
 
 @einen eignen SS3ert 
 3n ung'niigenber @elbftfud)t. 
 
(5oetfyes (Sebicfyte. 47 
 
 3ft auf betnent ^falter, 
 
 23ater ber tebe, etn on 
 
 (geinent Dfyre fcernefyntUcf), 45 
 
 @o erqttide fein eq ! 
 
 Offnc ben nntftolften ^3U(f 
 
 liber bie taufenb QucKen 
 
 s D7eben bent )nrftenben 
 
 3n ber Siifte! 5 o 
 
 bn ber grenben trie! fc^affft, 
 
 etn itberflie^enb 
 egne bie 53ritber ber 
 5luf ber ga^rte bc 
 30^it jugenblid)em Uberntnt 55 
 
 gro^It^er SWorbfu^ 
 pate 9?dd)er be Itnbttts, 
 !l)em frfjon 3^^ bergeblid) 
 SBeljrt mil tnitttetn ber Saucr. 
 
 5lber ben ^tnfamen ^itir 60 
 
 -3n beine o(btt)ollen 1 
 
 Umgteb ntit Stntergrim, 
 
 ^3t bie ^ofe lineber ^eranreift, 
 
 !Die fenrfjten aare, 
 
 O Siebe, betne^ !Did)ter$ I 6 5 
 
 ber bdmmernben 
 Seiidjteft bit i^m 
 !Dnrcf) bie gnrten bet 
 Uber grunblofe SBege 
 5luf oben eftlben ; 7 o 
 
 bent tattfenbfarbigen SD^orgen 
 bu tn^ er^ i^nt ; 
 
48 (Soetfyes <Sebid?te. 
 
 bent bet^enben @turm 
 rcigft bu tfyn l)od) etnpor ; 
 75 SBmterftrome ftitrgen tom gelfen 
 
 $n feme $[a(men, 
 Unb 5I(tar be^ Iteblic^ften )ants 
 SBtrb t^m be gefitr^tcten 
 
 so !Den mit etftcrrei^cn 
 
 a^nenbe golfer. 
 
 )u ftc^ft mit unerforfd)tem 
 efyetmttiSDoU offenbar 
 fiber ber crftauntcn SBctt 
 85 llnb fd^aiift au^ 3Bo(fen 
 
 i^re ^Hetcfje unb errltd)fett, 
 bu au^ ben 5lbern betner 53rttber 
 bir toafferft. 
 
 43. Hn 6cn 
 
 giitteft mieber ^3nfc^ nnb 
 mit ^ebe(g(an3, 
 enblid) and) etnmat 
 
 ^Bretteft itber rnetn efilb 
 Sinbernb beinen ^Blitf, 
 Sie be greunbeS 5luge mttb 
 fiber metn efd)td 
 
(Soetfyes <Sebtd?te. 49 
 
 fitfylt mem 
 
 unb trtiber 
 
 ^uifcfyen greub' unb 
 3fti ber (ginfamleit 
 
 gliege, flte^e, Ueber glu^ 1 
 
 Dimmer tr>erb ; tcf) frot), 
 
 <So tierraufc^te d)er^ itnb u 15 
 
 llttb bie ;treue fo. 
 
 befaj} e boc^ einma(, 
 fo loft(td) ift! 
 man bod) jn feiner Qual 
 dimmer e 
 
 enttang, 
 Dfjne ^Haft unb $Hul) r 
 
 , pftre meinem <Sang 
 
 SBenn bu in ber ^Sinternac^t 25 
 
 Sittenb itberfc^wttlft, 
 
 Dber urn bie grittjlmg$j)radjt 
 
 hunger nofpen quillft. 
 
 @elig r aier fid) tor ber SBeft 
 
 D^ne gag t>erfc^(tegt, 30 
 
 (inen greunb am ^3ufen 
 
 Unb mit bem genief^t, 
 
 , tion ^enfdien ntd)t gelnu^t 
 Dber nidjt bebad)t, 
 
 T)urd) ba^ Sabi}rint^ ber 33ruft 35 
 
 Sanbelt in ber 
 
50 
 
 44. 
 
 -3d) tnar em $nabe tt>arm unb gut, 
 2ttS Simgting fjatf id) frtfdje* Slut, 
 SBerfpradj einft einen 9ftann. 
 (Mitten fyab' tcl) unb gcltcbt 
 Unb Itege nteber ol)nbetritbt, 
 ^Da id) nid)t toeiter fann. 
 
 45. 
 
 raufd)f , bag Saffer 
 (Sin gifd)er fag baran, 
 (Sal) nac^ bent 5(ngel 
 
 Unb nrie er fi^t unb une er laufd^t, 
 Xctlt fief) bie glut empor ; 
 
 bem betuegten 3Baffer raufd^t 
 
 eucf)te$ SKeib Ijert)or. 
 
 fang gu i^tn, fie fprad) gu i^m 
 fodft bu meine ^3rut 
 SWtt 3Kcttf^cntfe unb SWcnfe^cnlift 
 inauf in obeSg(ut? 
 Wfy, iDiigteft bu, iDie'g gtfdjfetn ift 
 (So tt>o^lig auf bem runb, 
 15 !Du ftiegft tjerunter, n)ie bu bift, 
 
 Unb nriirbeft erft gefunb. 
 
 Sabt fid) bie (iebe @onne nid)t, 
 ic^ nidjt im 3Jiecr? 
 
(Soetfyes (Sebicfyte. 51 
 
 toeUenatmenb ifyr @eftd)t 
 
 boppelt fcfyoner fyer? 20 
 
 Socft bid) ber ttefe imme( nidjt, 
 )a$ feucfytberttcirte 23(au? 
 Sorft btti) betn eigen 2(ngefid)t 
 r in em'gen au? 
 
 Saffcr raitfdjf, ba SBaffer fc^tt)ofl, 25 
 f U)m ben naiten gug ; 
 
 eq tDucf)^ i^m fo fe^nfnrf)tt)oU, 
 2Bie bet bev i^tebften ru. 
 <ie fprac^ jn it)m, fie fang $n il)m ; 
 !^)a mar's um i^n gefc^eljn : 30 
 
 'alb jog fie i^n, fyalb fan! er ^m 
 Unb tt>arb nic^t me^r gefe^n. 
 
 46. <5efan$ ^er (Beifter iil>et ben tPafferit. 
 
 bem Staffer: 
 33om tmme( fommt 
 3^^ imme( fteigt e 
 Unb tnieber nieber 
 
 tt>ed)fe(nb. 
 (gtrb'mt t)on ber 
 
 rene ra), 10 
 
 fta'nbt er lieb(id) 
 
52 (Soetfyes <Sebtd?te. 
 
 3nnt glatten gels, 
 Unb leidjt entpfangen, 
 15 Salft er fcerfdjteternb, 
 
 et$ranfrf)enb, 
 3nr iefe nieber. 
 
 tttppen 
 
 turg entgegen, 
 c^ciumt er immuttg 
 @tufentretfe 
 ,3uTn 5lbgrunb. 
 
 Qm ftodjett 
 (S^ktd)t er ba Stefentfjaf 
 25 Unb in bent gfatten 
 
 Setben tl)r 
 efttrne. 
 
 Sinb ift ber SBette 
 ?ieb(icf)er ^3uI)Ier; 
 30 $Mnb mifd)t Dom runb 
 
 SBie gtetd)ft bu bem Gaffer! 
 (Sdjtdfat be 9^enfd)en, 
 SBie gleicfyft bu bent SKtnb! 
 
 47. 
 
 $ tt)ar ein fattier chafer, 
 in renter tebenf^lafer, 
 ln litntnterte fein 
 
(Soct^es <Sebicf?te. 53 
 
 (Sin TObdjen fonnf tyn faffen, 
 
 )a tt)ar ber Xropf fcerlaffen, 5 
 
 gort ttypetit unb djfaf! 
 
 (50 trieb i^n in bie gerne, 
 ^e 9?acf)t$ gft^If er bie 
 (Sr ftagf unb prtnf fi^ brat). 
 
 , ba fie i^n genomtnen, 
 3ft aUc0 iDtcber fomtnen, 
 !Durft, Ippettt unb 
 
 48. 
 
 liber atten ipfeln 
 3ft 9tu^ 
 3n aKcn SBtyfeln 
 pitreft bu 
 ^aum einen ^cmd); 
 !iDie 33oge(ein f^eiQcn tm 
 SGBartc nnr, balbe 
 bu and). 
 
 49. Un 
 
 )en (ginsigen, Siba, inel^en bu Iteben fannft, 
 gorberft bu ganj fitr bt^ r unb tntt 9?ec^t. 
 2lucf) ift er ein^ig bein. 
 )enn, fcit id) Don bir bin, 
 @d)emt mir be^ fdjnellften eben$ 
 Sftrmenbc -53etr>egung 
 
 ein leidjter g(or, burd) ben ic^ betne eftalt 
 
54 (Soettjes (5ebtd?tc. 
 
 3mmerfort wie in 2Bolten erbfitfe: 
 @ie lencfytet mir frennbtid) unb tren, 
 10 2Bte bnrdj be$ 9?orb(id)t$ bewegltdje 
 
 ($wige terne fdjimmern. 
 
 50. 
 
 SBer reitet fo fpat bitrcf) 9Jacf)t unb 
 ^^ tft ber ^ater mit femern $mb ; 
 (5r ^at ben $naben IDO^I in bent 
 Grr fagt t^n ficf)er, er fyaft i()n warm. 
 
 5 3)iein (Sofytt, wa birgft bu fo bang bein efic^t? 
 @te^ft, ^ater, bn ben (Srlfonig nid)t? 
 :Den (r(en!onig mit ^ron' nnb (Sd)Weif?- 
 aj^ein <Sof)n, e ift ein ^ebetftreif. - 
 
 ,,m liebe^ finb, lomm, gel) mit mtr! 
 10 ar fdjb'ne @piele fpieC ic^ mit bir ; 
 
 bitnte tinmen finb an bent tranb ; 
 at manrf) gitlben 
 
 ^ater, mein 33ater, unb I) or eft bn nidjt, 
 (grlenlonig mir letfe fcerfpridjt? - 
 15 ei riil)ig, Metbe ritl)ig, metn ^inb ; 
 
 3n biirren Slattern fciufelt ber 2Binb. - 
 
 ,,2Bi(lft, feiner tnabe, bn mit mir ge()n? 
 OJ^eine drf)ter foden bid) warten fdjon; 
 9fteine Xod)ter fit^ren ben nadjttidjen 3?etfm 
 20 Unb wiegen nnb tan^en nnb fingen bid) ein." 
 
(Soetfjes (Sebtcfyte. 55 
 
 23ater, mem 23ater, unb fieljft bit nid)t bort 
 (SritonigS od)ter am bitftent Ort? - 
 2ftem ofyn, mem @ofyn, id) fef)' e$ genan : 
 @ f^etnen bte alten ^Ceiben fo grau. 
 
 $&) (iebe bti^, mtc^ retgt beine fcfyime eftalt; 25 
 llnb bift bit tttcfyt tt)t((ig, fo brauc^' id) ettatt." 
 Wiein S5ater, mein $ater, jei^t fagt er mic^ an! 
 (Srlfb'nig I) at mir ein etb3 getfjan 1 - 
 
 er rettet 
 
 (5r ()(ilt in Slrtnen bad ad^enbe ^inb, 30 
 
 rrctc^t ben of mit SWtt^c unb 9?ot; 
 -3n feinen Airmen bag ^inb roar tot. 
 
 51. 
 
 fei ber 
 
 eic^ nnb gnt! 
 
 a attetn 
 llnterfdjeibet t^n 
 3Son alien Sefen, 
 )ie loir lennen. 
 
 ei( ben unbefannten 
 
 SBefen, 
 inir afynen! 
 en g(eid)e ber 
 
 glaitben* 
 
56 (Soetfyes (Sebtd?te. 
 
 )enn nnfiifylenb 
 3ft bie 9totur: 
 
 15 (8 (eudjtet bie onne 
 
 fiber 33of unb utc, 
 llnb bem 23erbred)er 
 Itittgen, tone bem ^Beften, 
 !Der attottb unb bie (Sterne, 
 
 20 SKittb unb trome, 
 
 Conner unb 
 $Raii|ci)en iljren 
 Unb ergretfen, 
 
 25 ^inen um ben anbern. 
 
 fo ba 
 
 untcr bie 
 balb 
 
 Sorftgc Unfttyulb, 
 30 ^3atb aud) ben 
 
 etnigen, efjrnen, 
 rogen cfefecn 
 s J)Zitffen loir aflc 
 
 35 Unfere^ X)afein 
 
 ^reife uottenben. 
 
 97ur aflcin ber ^enfc^ 
 23ennag bag ilnmoglidje 
 (Sr unterfdjetbet, 
 40 fflBftljlet unb rtc^tet; 
 
 ^r fann bem 5lugenbticf 
 !Daucr oerlci^en. 
 
(5octf?es (Sebtcfyte. 57 
 
 (gr aUetn barf 
 
 )en uten (olmen, 
 
 )en 33ofen ftrafen, 45 
 
 et(en unb retten, 
 
 rcenbe, @d)ti)eifenbe 
 
 Derbmben. 
 
 llnb tDtr bere^ren 
 Unfterbltdjen, 
 
 fie 
 
 tm gro^en, 
 ber 33efte im Keinen 
 ober modjte. 
 
 eb(e OJ^enfd) 55 
 
 l)ttfreicf) unb .gut! 
 Unermitbet fc^aff' er 
 
 et nn^ em 
 Setter gea()neten SBefen! 60 
 
 52. Her Sanget*. 
 
 l)or' ic^ brau^en t)or bem 
 auf ber JBriide fcfjatten? 
 
 Sag ben efang t?or nnferm D^r 
 
 3m <SaaIe roiber^aUen! 
 
 ^ontg foradj'S, ber ^age lief; 
 Unabe lam, ber ^ontg rief: 
 mir ^erein ben 5llten! 
 
58 (Soothes (Sebicfyte. 
 
 egriiget feib mir, eble errn, 
 egritgt ifyr, fcfyone )amen ! 
 10 2Beld) reidjer immel! (Stern bet tern! 
 
 2Ber fennet ifyre 9?amen? 
 3m <Saa( twit ^radjt nnb errltd^leit 
 
 t, ^ugen, euc^ ; l)ter tft nic^t 
 ftaunenb gu ergo^en. 
 
 15 ^Der anger brudf btc 5lngen ein 
 
 llnb fc^tug in uoden Xbnen; 
 )te fitter fd;auten mutig brein 
 Unb in ben (Sdjoft bie <Scf)bnen. 
 er bntg, bent ba ieb gefiel, 
 
 20 Ste, it)n ju e^ren fitr fetn 
 
 (Sine golbne $ette 
 
 golbne ette gieb mir 
 )ie ^ette gieb ben bittern, 
 35or beren fu^nem 5lngefi(^t 
 25 )er geinbe Sangen fpltttern; 
 
 ieb fie bent $an$ler, ben bn Ijaft, 
 Unb (a itjn nod) bie golbne aft 
 3n anbern aften tragen. 
 
 3^ finge, mie ber 33ogel fingt, 
 30 X)er in ben ,3tt>eigen it>o^net; 
 
 !Da^ Steb, ba an^ ber ^c^Ic bringt, 
 3ft i^o^n r ber reicf)(ic^ lofynet. 
 ^)oc^ barf ic^ bitten, bitf i^ ein : 
 Sa mir ben beften 33ed)er 
 35 -3n pnrem o(be reidjen. 
 
(Seethes (Sebid?te. 59 
 
 @r f efcf ifyn an, er tran! if)n an$ : 
 
 D ranl toott fitter Me! 
 
 O tt)of)l bem fyocfybegfttrften au$, 
 
 So ba ift Heine abe! 
 
 ($rgef)f eud) ftol)l, fo benlt an mid), 40 
 
 Unb banfet ott fo toarm, al^ ic^ 
 
 giir biefen Xrun! end) banle. 
 
 53. 
 
 it^ ber (5infam!eit ergiebt, 
 3ldj! ber ift batb allcin; 
 &i jeber (ebt, cm jeber Itebt 
 Unb la^t i^n feiner 
 
 ic^ meiner }na(! 5 
 
 Unb lann tc^ nitr einmal 
 9?ec^t etnfam fetn, 
 )ann bin id) ntd)t alfein. 
 
 @$ fd)(eic^t ein Siebenber lanfdjenb fac^t, 
 
 Ob feme greunbin aHein? 10 
 
 (So itberfd)(eid)t bet Xag unb 9^ad)t 
 
 (ginfamen bie $etn, 
 
 (Sinfamen bie Qual. 
 2ld), tt)erb' ic^ erft einmal 
 (Sinfam im rabe fein, 15 
 
 !Da (agt fie mtc^ allein! 
 
60 (Seethes <5ei)td?te. 
 
 54. Derfelfce. 
 
 Ser nte fein 33rot mil f)vtinen afc, 
 
 SBer nie bie lummeruoUen s J?cid)te 
 
 5luf feinem 33ette tnemenb fa, 
 
 )er fennt euc^ tttdjt, iljr ^immtifdjcn s JJ2cid)te. 
 
 s 3^r fit^rt to Seben un fytnetn, 
 
 3^r Iat ben Airmen fdjulbig tuerben, 
 !Dann itberta^t i^r if)tt ber ^etn: 
 !Denn a((e @d)ulb rddjt fid) auf (Srben. 
 
 55. 3lmcnau 
 
 am 3. September 1783. 
 
 5Inmutig X^all bu immergrimer 
 3J?ein eq begrit^t eitd) toieber auf ba^ befte ; 
 Gmtfaltet mir bie fd)tt)er be^angnen Sfte, 
 ^e^mt freunblic^ mtc^ in cure djatten ein, 
 (Srquicft Don euren of)n, am !ilag ber Sieb' unb l^uft, 
 rtfdjer ^uft unb ^Balfam meine SBruft! 
 
 oft mit lred)fe(nbent efd)icfe, 
 
 an beinen gu gurtitfc. 
 O r lafe mic^ ^eut an beinen fadjten gof)n 
 10 (Sin jugenbtic^, ein neue$ @ben fe^n! 
 
 3d) fyab' e tuo^I and) mil urn eud) terbienet 
 3^ forge ftifl, inbe^ i^r ru^ig griinet. 
 
 mid) tiergeffen, ba| and) fyter bie SBelt 
 mand) efd)opf in (grbefeffetn 
 
(Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 61 
 
 )er tobmann leidjtent @anb ben (Santen an&ertrant 15 
 
 llnb feinen $ot)( bem fredjen SBilbe battt, 
 
 >er $nappe largeS 33rot in $litften fnd)t, 
 
 )er $b'I)(er gittert, toenn ber 3'a$ev fmdjt. 
 
 SBerjungt eitd) mir, trite i^r e^ oft get^an, 
 
 $1$ fing' id) ^eut em neueS ?eben an. 20 
 
 -3^r feib nttr ^otb, i^r gcinnt nrir biefe Xra'iinie, 
 @ie fc^nteic^eln nttr nnb (ocfen atte $Reinte. 
 
 inieber [elbft, t)ou a((en Sftenfdjen fern, 
 
 bab' tc^ mid) in euren 1)uften gern ! 
 
 raufd)t bie !)of)e Xanne tt)ieber r 25 
 
 9)Ze(obifd) ei(t ber Safferfaft ^ernieber; 
 ^)ie 3Bolle finrt, ber 97ebe( britdt in tyal, 
 Unb e^ ift'^ad)t unb )antmnmg auf einntal. 
 
 ftnftern 2Balb, beim Siebe^blicf ber 
 
 tft ntein ^Pfab, ben forgloS ic^ Derlor? 3 o 
 
 feltne (Stintnten ^brMd) in ber gerne? 
 @tc fc^a((en it)ecf)fe(nb an bent ge(3 entpor. 
 3d) eile fadjt, gu fel)n, tua e^ bebentet, 
 
 Don be irfd)e 9?nf ber 3^9^^: [till geleitet. 
 
 bin ic^? iff 8 cm 3ftttbera8tt$ett?anb? 35 
 
 ncid)tltd)e @e(ag ant gn ber gelfentnanb ? 
 Keinen ittten, bidjt ntit 9?ei8 bebetfet, 
 )' id) fie fro^ an$ getter ^ingeftretfet. 
 @8 brtngt ber @(an$ ^od) bttrc^ ben gicfytenfaat; 
 3lnt niebern erbe lo^t ein rofycS 9^a^(; 40 
 
 @ie fdjer^en laut, inbeffen, batb geteeret, 
 g(afd)e frifd) im toife ttriebertefyret 
 
62 (Soetfyes <Scbid?tc. 
 
 @agt, toem sergleicf)' id) biefe muntre @d)ar? 
 
 23on toannen fommt fie? urn luofyin ^n $ief)en? 
 45 2Bie ift an ifjr bod) atteS uwnberbarl 
 
 @o(I id) fie grit Jen? foil id) Dor ifyr fliefyen? 
 
 3ft e$ ber ^ager tt)i(be etfterljeer? 
 
 (gtnb^ notnen, bie ()ier 3 a ^ er tof te treibcn? 
 
 3d) fs^ ? itn 33ufd) ber fletncn S e uer me()r ; 
 50 @ fdjaubert mid), id) mage faum, 311 bleiben. 
 
 SffS ber Sgtjptier Derbadjtiger Slufcntljalt? 
 
 3ft ee ein ftitd)tiger gitrft une im 5lrbenn 
 
 (Soil id) SSertrrtcr ^ier in ben terfd)lungnen rimben 
 
 !Die eifter @^alefpeare gar nerforpert finben? 
 55 $a, ber ebanfe fitljrt mid) eben rec^t : 
 
 @ie finb e^ felbft, tt>o nic^t ein g(eid) efd)(ed)t! 
 
 Unbanbig fd)ti)elgt ein eift in il)rer bitten, 
 
 Unb bnrd) bie Otofyeit fii()( ; ic^ ebte kitten. 
 
 nennt t^r it)n? Ser iff 8, ber bort gebittft 
 60 Sftadpffig ftarl bie breiten @d)nttern britcft? 
 (gr fi^t 3nnad)ft gelaffen an ber glamme, 
 X)ie marlige eftalt an^ altem etbenftamme. 
 r faugt begierig am geliebten 9?ol)r, 
 (S fteigt ber T)ampf an feiner @tirn empor. 
 6 5 utmittig trorfen tneig er grenb' nnb ad)en 
 3m ganjen givld tant jn mad)en, 
 393enn er mit ernfttid)em efic!^t 
 ^Barbarifd) bnnt in frember SD^unbart fprid)t. 
 
 ift ber anbre, ber fic^ nieber 
 70 5ln einen (Btnrg be8 alten 33anme8 letjnt 
 llnb feine (angen, feingeftatten lieber 
 (Sfftatifd) faut nad) aflen @eiten be^nt 
 
(Soetfjes (5cbid?te. 63 
 
 llnb, olme baft bie ^ecfyer au f i^ti fyb'ren, 
 
 9J2it ($eifte$flng fid) in bie o^e fd)ft>ingt, 
 
 llnb t>on bem anj ber f)immelljol)en pfyaren 75 
 
 (gin monotone$ Sieb mit grower ^nbrunft fingt? 
 
 )od) fdjeinet alien ettoaS ^u gebrec^en. 
 -3c^ fyore fie anf etnmal leife fprerfjen, 
 
 3iingling 9?n^e nic^t $u nnterbredjen, 
 
 bort am (5nbe, tuo baS Xl)al fic^ fdjlteftt, so 
 
 -^ti einer iitte, (eicljt gegimmert, 
 33or ber ein letter ^Slttf be6 Heinen geuer^ fdjimmert, 
 
 SBafferfatt nmraufdjt, beS mitben @d)IafS geniegt. 
 
 treibt ba$ er3, nad) jener ^(nft 311 tuanbern, 
 fc^leid)e ftilt nnb fdjeibe tion ben anbern. 85 
 
 (Set mir gegritgt, ber fyter in fpa'ter 
 
 eban!ent>oll an biefer @d)tneUe tuac^t! 
 
 2Ba fii^eft bn entfernt tion jenen grenben? 
 
 1)u fd^einft mir anf mas SidjtigeS bebad)t. 
 
 SBaS iffs, baft bn in innen bic^ berltereft 90 
 
 llnb nidjt einmal bein lleineS gener fd)iireft? 
 
 ,,O r frage ni^t! benn tc^ bin nicfyt bereit, 
 
 r^tnben 92eugier leidjt gn ftillen; 
 
 Derbitt' id) beinen guten 3Killen; 
 ier ift ^n fdjtueigen nnb ^n leiben ,geit. 95 
 
 -3^ bin bir nidjt im ftanbe felbft $n fagen, 
 $Bo^er id) fei, toer mid) ^ier^er gefanbt ; 
 S3on fremben gvntn bin i^ fyer berfdjlagen 
 llnb bnr^ bie grennbfdjaft feftgebannt. 
 
64 (Soctfyes (5cbid?tc. 
 
 ioo Ser lennt fid) felbft? tt>er ttetj}, tt>a$ er Dermag? 
 at nie ber 9ftutige 23ertt)egne8 unternommen? 
 Unb tt>a$ bu tfyuft, fagt erft ber anbre ag, 
 2Bar e gum @d)aben obcr grommen. 
 Sieg nid)t ^rometfyeuS felbft bie rente ghnmelsglut 
 105 5luf frifdjen Xljon Dergotternb utebcrflicgcn? 
 Unb fonnf er mefyr at^ irbtfd) ^3Iut 
 
 bie betebten 5lbern gtegeu? 
 bradjte reined geuer t>om 5lttar; 
 id) ent^imbet, ift ntd)t reme gtamrne. 
 @turm tiermefyrt bie lut unb bie efaf)r, 
 fc^toanfe nid)t, inbem id) mi(^ terbamme. 
 
 Unb irenn id) untlug 9D^ut unb grei()eit fang 
 Unb 9?eblid)feit unb grei^eit fonber 
 <Sto(g auf fid) felbft nub l)eqlidje$ 
 "5 (5rtt>arb id) tnir ber S^eufdjen fdjtine @uuft : 
 ad) I ein ott Derfagte mir bie $unft, 
 arme ^unft, mid) limftlid) gu betrageu. 
 fi' id) l)ier gugleid) erljoben unb gebriirft, 
 Unfdjulbig unb geftraft, unb fdjulbig unb begliic!t. 
 
 120 )od) rebe fac^t! benn unter biefem 
 
 9?u^t all mein 2Bol)l unb all mein Ungemac^: 
 (Sin ebleS gerj, nom 28ege ber 9?atur 
 !Durd) enge^ (Sc^itffal abgeleitet, 
 )a$, al)nung^toll, nun auf ber recfyten (Spur 
 
 125 ^3alb mit fid) felbft unb balb mit 3 au ^ ei W a ^ e ^ ftreitet 
 Unb, ma^ ifym ba^ efc^id burc^ bie eburt gefc^enft, 
 Wlitff unb (d)tt)ei| erft 311 erringen benlt. 
 liebetiolle^ SKort faun feinen eift entl)itllen 
 Unb fein efang bie fyofyen SKogen ftillen. 
 
(Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 65 
 
 SSer fann ber 9?anpe, bie am 3^ e i9 e frtedjt, 130 
 
 23on ifyrem limffgen gutter fprecfyen? 
 
 llnb toer ber ^itppe, bie am 33oben liegt, 
 
 3)te garte @djale fyelfen bnrd)$ubred)en? 
 
 @8 fommt bie $eit, fie bra'ngt fid) felber loS 
 
 Unb eilt auf gtttigen ber 9tofe in ben @d)ojs. 135 
 
 'g, ifym geben and) bie 
 )te red)te 9?ic^tnng feiner 
 
 ift bei ttefer 9ieigung fitr ba^ 
 
 eine Seibenfc^aft. 
 
 lotft ifyn in bie $3eite, 140 
 
 ift i()m gu fdjroff, fein @teg 311 f dmwl ; 
 r llnfad (auert an ber (Seite 
 Unb ftiir^t ifyn in ben 5lrm ber Qnal 
 ann treibt bie f^mer^lid) itberfpannte ^Regung 
 enjaltfam i^n balb ba, balb bort ^inan, 145 
 
 Unb con nnmntiger 
 9?nl)t er nnmntig tuieber a 
 Unb bitfter tnilb an ^eitern 
 Unba'nbig, ol)ne fro^ jn fein, 
 
 (Sdjltift er, an @eel' unb Seib DeriDnnbet nnb jerfd^lagen, 150 
 2lnf etncm ^arten Sager ein: 
 -Snbeffen id) ()ier, ftid nnb atmenb lanm, 
 !Die 5lngen ^n ben freien temen fe^re 
 Unb, fyafb ertnacf)t nnb I)a(b im fcfyineren ^ranm, 
 
 lanm be^ fcfytueren Xranm enue^re." 155 
 
 , Xranm! 
 
 5Bie banfid), OJ^nfen, end)! 
 i^r mid) fyent anf einen ^Pfab geftellet, 
 So anf ein ein^tg Sort bie gan^e egenb gleic^ 
 3nm ft^b'nften Xage fid) er^ellet; 
 
66 (Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 
 
 160 )te Solfe fliefjt, ber 9?ebe( fciflt, 
 
 )ie fatten finb (jinmeg. -Sfyr otter, ^reis nnb 2Bonne ! 
 
 @3 (endE)tet mir bie roafyre @onne, 
 
 ($3 (ebt mtr eine fcfjonre 2Be(t; 
 
 )a3 angftUc^e efic^t ift in bte Suft ^erronnen, 
 165 (5in neite^ ^eben iff 0, e$ ift fdjon tang begonnen. 
 
 -3$ fe^e ^ier, h)ie man narf) (anger D^eife 
 
 3m 5Bater(anb fid) nrieber fennt, 
 
 n ru^ig 33ol! im fttHen Slei^e 
 
 ^Benu^en, tt)a$ 97atur an aben i!)m gegb'nnt. 
 170 )er gaben eilet tton bem 9totfen 
 
 !Dcd Seber^ rafcfyem @tnt)Ie jn; 
 
 Unb <Sei( unb $itbel tt)irb in Idngrer 9?nl) 
 
 9lic^t am Derbrocf)nen @c^ad)te ftorfen; 
 
 (5^ tt)trb ber Xrng entbetft, bie Drbnnng lel)rt jnritcf, 
 175 <SS folgt ebei^n nnb fefteS irb'fdje^ Utcf. 
 
 (So mog', o gitrft, ber SBinlel betne^ 8anbe3 
 (5in ^orbitb beiner Xage fein! 
 )u fenneft lang bie ^flidjten beine^ <Stanbe 
 Unb fd)ran!eft nacf) nnb nac^ bie freie <SeeIe ein. 
 180 X)er !ann fid) mandjen Sunfd) getualjren, 
 fait fief) fetbft nnb feinem S&ttten (ebt; 
 mer anbre tt)o()( jn (eiten ftrebt, 
 ftifyig fein, tie( gn entbe^ren. 
 
 @o manb(e bn ber of)n ift nic^t gering 
 185 <iftid)t fd)Wan!enb ^in, tuie jener (Samann ging, 
 ba(b ein $orn, be^ 3nfa(I^ (eid)te^ @pie(, 
 anf ben SBeg, bort stuifd)en X)ornen fte( ; 
 
67 
 
 ftreue fhtg tote reid), mit mannlid) [teter anb, 
 $)en @egen an$ cwf etn geadert 8anb ; 
 )ann (a e3 rulm: bie (Srnte ttrirb erfdjeinen 190 
 
 llnb bid; beglurfen unb bte X)emen. 
 
 56. 
 
 T)er O^orgen !am ; e^ fdjeitc^ten fetne Xrttte 
 )en letfen @cf)laf r ber mid) gelinb utnftng, 
 id), ertua^t, cms meiner ftiKen ittte 
 ^3erg ^inauf mit frifc^er ^ee(e ging; 
 [rente mic^ bei einem jeben (Sc^ritte 5 
 
 neuen ^Blume, bie tjott 2:ropfen tying ; 
 )er jun^e 2:ag ertyob [id) mit (Snt^utfen, 
 Unb af(e$ war erqnicft, micty ju erquirfen. 
 
 llnb wie icty ftieg, og toon bem g(n ber 2Biefen 
 (iin 9^ebel [id) in ^treifen [actyt tyeruor. 10 
 
 @r inicty nnb tr>ecty[elte mid) jn nmffiefsen, 
 llnb iDitd)^ gepitgett mir um$ aupt empor: 
 
 fctyonen 33(id3 fottf icty nid)t metyr genie^en, 
 
 egenb becfte mir ein tritber g(or; 
 faty id) mi^ t)on Sollen tt)ie nmgof[en 15 
 
 llnb mit mir [etbft in ^Dammrung einge[cty(of[en. 
 
 einmal [d)ien bte onne bnrd)snbringen r 
 -3m 9?ebel tiej [icty eine ^lartyeit [etyn, 
 ier [an! er (ei[e [id) tyinab3n[d)tt)ingen ; 
 ier tettf er [tetgenb [id) nm 5Ba(b nnb d()n. 
 Sie fyofff id) il)r ben erften rn gu brtngen! 
 @ie Ijofff id) nad) ber ^ritbe boppett [djon. 
 
68 (Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 
 
 )er luft'ge $ampf toar lange nidjt fcoflenbet, 
 (Sin tang umgab mid), unb id) ftanb gebtenbet 
 
 25 23alb mad)te midj, bie 2lugen auf^ufdjlagen, 
 (Sin innrer rieb be$ ger^enS imeber liifyn, 
 3d) fpnnf e$ nur mit fdjnellen 33(tcfen lr>agen r 
 )enn afle^ fc^ien ju brennen unb gn gliiljn. 
 !iDa fc^tDebte mit ben 28ol!en ^ergetragen 
 30 (5in gottlic^ Seib t)or meinen 2higen l)in r 
 
 fd)oner ^Bilb fat) id) in nteinem Seben, 
 fa^ mid) an nnb btteb Denneitenb fd)tneben. 
 
 ^ennft bit mid) nid)t? fprac^ fie mit einem 
 !Dem ader Sieb' unb Xreue Zon entflo^ : 
 
 35 (Srtennft bu mid), bie id) in mandje ^Bunbe 
 QeZ eben3 bir ben reinftcn ^Balfam gojj? 
 1)u fennft mid) tuol)l, an bie gu ettj'gem ^3unbe 
 )ein ftrebenb erg fid) feft unb fcfter fdjlojj. 
 @al) id) btc^ nic^t mit ()ei^en ei^entl)ranen 
 
 40 2US ^nabe fd)on nad) mir bid) etfrig fe^nen? 
 
 3a ! rief icf) au^, inbem id) feltg nieber 
 3ur (Srbe fan!, tang l)ab' id) bid) gefitfylt ; 
 ^Du gabft mir 9?ul), luenn burd) bie jungen lieber 
 X)ie Seibenfdjaft fid) raftto^ burcfygettritytt ; 
 45 $)u l)aft mir nne mit l)immlifd)em efieber 
 2lm ^eigen Xag bie @tirne fanft gefitl)(t; 
 !Du fd)en!teft mir ber (grbe befte aben, 
 llnb jebeS Ut(f luiK ic^ burd) bid) nur fyaben! 
 
 nenn' id) nid)t. 3^ a 
 50 ar oft genannt, unb jeber ()eigt bid) fein, 
 (5in jebe^ 5luge gtaubt auf bid) gu ^ielen, 
 gaft jebem 5(uge inirb bein @tral)f gur ^|3ei 
 
(Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 69 
 
 2Id), ba id) irrte, fyatt' id) Die! efpieten, 
 
 )a id) bid) lenne, bin id) faft allein ; 
 
 $d) mug mem Iu<f nur mit mir felbft geniegen, 55 
 
 )ein fyotbeS id)t berbetfen unb Derfdjlie'jjen. 
 
 @ie ladjelte, fie fprad) : >u fiefyft, trie Hug, 
 SBie notig tuar% end) tuenig 311 enttyiitten! 
 ^aum bift bu fidjer tior bem grobften Xrug, 
 $aum bift bu err tom erften ^inbertoiflen, 60 
 
 @o glaubft bu bid) fd)cm Ubermeufd) genug, 
 SBerfaumft bie 'pfltdjt be aj^anne gu erfutlen! 
 SBie ftiel bift bu Don cmberu unterfd)iebeu? 
 (Srfenne bid), leb' mit ber 3Be(t in grieben ! 
 
 33er jeit) 'mir, rief ic^ au^, id) meint' e$ gut ; 65 
 
 @olt id) umfonft bie 3(ugen off en fyaben? 
 
 ^in fro^cr 3Bille lebt in meinem 33lut, 
 
 ^d) fenne gang ben 2Bert t)on beinen aben! 
 
 Sitr anbre lDad)ft in mir ba$ eble ut, 
 
 Qdj !ann unb nn'll ba^ ^3funb nid)t me()r -tiergraben ! 70 
 
 Sarum fuc^f id) ben SSeg fo fefytfudftsoott, 
 
 Senn id) il)n nid)t ben -^riibern geigen foil? 
 
 Unb one ic^ fprad), fal) mid) baS ^o^e S[Befen 
 
 Wit einem 9$iid mitleib'ger 9iad)fid)t an; 
 
 -3d) lonnte mid) in i()rem 5luge (efen, 75 
 
 2Ba id) Derfefylt unb txa id) rec^t getfyan. 
 
 @ie (adjelte, ba tt)ar id) fd)on genefen, 
 
 3u neuen greuben ftteg mein eift ^eran^ 
 
 3d) fonnte nun mit innigem $ertrauen 
 
 u i^r na()n unb ifyre ^al)e fd)auen. so 
 
70 (Soetfjes (Sebid?tc. 
 
 Tta retfte fie Me anb au3 in bie treifen 
 )er (eid)ten 2Bol!en itnb be )uft$ wnfyer; 
 2Bte fie ifyn fajfte, lief; er fid) ergreifen, 
 @r lie fid) jiefjn, e$ ttwr lein ^ebel tnefyr. 
 85 Sftein 5luge lonnf im XI) ale tnieber fc^tueifen, 
 en imme( bticff ic^, er mar fyefl unb ^e^v. 
 fa^ id) fie ben reinften @d)Ieier fatten, 
 r flo um fie unb fd)tt)o(f in taufenb galten. 
 
 -3d) fenne bic^, ic^ !enne betne 
 90 3^) iwei, toa$ @nte^ in bir lebt nnb gtimmt ! 
 - @o fagte fie, id) l)dr ; fie eang fprec^en, 
 
 ^ier, ttw$ id) bir lang 7 beftimmt! 
 litcflic^en lann e^ an nid)t gebredjen, 
 !Der bie^ efc^enl mit ftifler @eele nintmt : 
 95 2(n3 9)?orgenbuft getDebt unb @onnenf(arf)eit, 
 
 x au^ ber anb ber 
 
 Unb toenn e^ bir unb beinen greunben fc^tt)it(e 
 5(m 9)itttag ictrb, fo mirf i^n in bie 8uft! 
 og(etd) untfdufett 5lbenbtt)inbe ^U^te, 
 ilmf)aud)t end) ^3(umen'3Siir5geruc^ unb mft. 
 (5^ fd)tneigt ba ^Be^en banger @rbgefitf)(e, 
 ^utn SBolfenbette tuanbelt fid) bie ruft, 
 ^Befdnftiget trirb jebe ^eben^tuelle, 
 
 iag iDtrb lieb(id), unb bie 9^ad)t ttirb fyette. 
 
 105 (So !ommt benn, greunbe, n?enn auf euren 3Begen 
 )e$ 8eben^ ^Bitrbe f^trer unb fcfytoerer brittft, 
 SKenn eure ^Sa^n ein frifdjenteuter @egen 
 
 tinmen jiert, mit golbnen gritdjten fdjntittft, 
 
(Soetfjes (Sebid?te. 71 
 
 gefyn tiereint bem nacfyften ag entgegen! 
 @o leben an'r, fo toanbeln nnr beglitrft. no 
 
 Unb bann and) foil, ftenn @n!el urn nn$ trauern, 
 3n ifyrer nft nocfy unfre ^tebe bauern. 
 
 57. 
 
 bit ba^ Sanb, too bie tronen 
 bunletn Saub bie otb^Drangen 
 (Sin fcmfter 3Kinb totn btauen immel 
 X)ie 3)^rtc [till nnb tjoc^ ber Sorbccr fteljt, 
 tennft bu e ol)I? 
 
 )al)in ! al)tn 
 ' id) tnit bir, o mein e(iebter, gi 
 
 tennft bit ba au^? 2Utf @ait(en rit()t fein 
 (S3 glangt ber @aa(, e^ fdjimmert ba emad), 
 Unb S^armorbilber ftetjn nnb fe^n mic^ an : 
 2Ba$ ^at man bir r bn arme^ ^inb, get^an ? 
 tennft bn e too^t? 
 
 )al)in ! !l)a^in 
 tc^ mit btr r o mein eliebter, ^i 
 
 ^ennft bn ben ^3erg nnb feinen Solfenfteg ? 
 
 3^a^ SHanltier fnd)t im 92ebe( feinen 3Beg ; 
 
 -3n o^(en tootjnt ber )rad)en a(te ^Brnt ; 15 
 
 ($ (titr^t ber gel^ nnb itber il)n bie glut. 
 
 ^ennft bn ifm tooljl? 
 
 !l)af)in ! )al)in 
 nnfer Seg ! o 
 
72 (Soetfyes <8ebtd?te. 
 
 58. Diefelfre. 
 
 etJ3 mid) nidjt reben, fyeig mid) fdjmetgen, 
 )enn mem efyeimni$ ift mir ^flidjt ; 
 3d) modjte bir mem gan^eS -Stture getgen, 
 Slllein ba cidal tt)t(( e 
 
 5 3 ur rcd^ten 3 e ^ ftcrtrctbt ber 
 
 )ie finftrc S 3^acf)t, unb fie mug fidj cr^cllcn ; 
 !^er ^arte gets fd^Itegt fetnen ^Sufen cwf, 
 9Ktgc5nnt ber ^rbe nic^t bie ttcfftcrborgncn Quetten. 
 
 (gin jeber fudjt tm 5trm be greunbe^ 
 10 !Dort !ann bie 23ruft in ^lagen fic ergiegen ; 
 TOcin etn (S^mur britcft mtr bie ippen p, 
 Unb nur ein ott Dermag fie aufjufrfjtiegen. 
 
 59. Diefelbc. 
 
 mer bie el)nfud)t lennt, 
 
 ?a id) (eibe ! 
 5lUein unb abgetrennt 
 33on atter greube, 
 
 ic^ an girmament 
 jener eite. 
 
 ber mic^ liebt nnb lennt, 
 3ft in ber Scttc. 
 S^ fc^iDinbelt mir, e^ brennt 
 10 9)^ein (5ingeit)eibe. 
 
 r bie @e^nfud)t lennt, 
 ifc, it)a id) (eibe ! 
 
(5oetf?es <5ebid?tc. 73 
 
 6O. Dem Ucfermann. 
 
 glad) beberfet unb Ieid)t ben golbenen @amen bte gttrcfje, 
 uteri bte tiefere bedt enbltd) bein rufyenb ebein. 
 
 grofylidj geppgt unb geftit! ter letmet (ebenbtge ^afyrung, 
 llnb bte offnitng entfernt felbft t)on bem robe firf) ntcfyt. 
 
 61. t>crfc^ie&ene <Emj>ftn&un^en an einem 
 
 Das ITlabd^cn. 
 
 3d) fyab' t^n gefe^en! 
 tft mtr 
 
 (Sr lommt mtr entgegen ; 
 
 fd)tt>anfe 
 
 trre, id) tra'ume !^ 
 
 gctfcn, tt)r 33aume, 
 35erbergt metne greube, 
 SSerberget metn Utcf ! 10 
 
 Dcr Bungling. 
 
 ter mu tc^ fie finben! 
 3d) fa^ fie tierfditntnben, 
 3fyv folgte mem ^Btttl. 
 lam mtr entgegen, 
 
 trat fie fcerlegen 15 
 
 Unb fd)amrot guritd 
 
 offnnng? finb 7 ^ Xraume? 
 
 mtr bie Siebfte, 
 (gntbetft mir mein litcf! 
 
74 (Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 
 
 Z> e r Sdjntacfjtenbc. 
 
 ier flag' id) fcerborgen 
 )em tauenben !3ftorgen 
 Sftein einfam efdjid 
 23erfannt Don ber 9J?enge, 
 25 2Bie ^ie^ id) in^ (Snge 
 
 3ffid) ftte guritd ! 
 O gartlic^e @eele r 
 
 ettngen Seiben, 
 30 ^ert)et)Ie betn .litcf! 
 
 Pe 
 
 lo^net tntd) l)eute 
 boppetter 
 (gin guteS 
 jDer rebtid^e Wiener 
 
 35 ^Bringt afen itnb itl)ner 
 
 4Be(oben gurucf. 
 ier finb' id) gefangen 
 2htd) ^oge( nod) fyangen! 
 (S lebe ber 
 
 40 <* lebe fein 
 
 62. (Erfter Perluft, 
 
 2ld), mer bringt bie fd)b'nen 
 3ene age ber erften i^tebe, 
 5ld), toer bringt nur eine @tnnbe 
 Setter Ijoiben 
 
(Soetfjes (Sebtcfyte. 75 
 
 (Sinfam nd'tyr* id) meine 2Bunbe, 5 
 
 llnb mit ftets erneuter $lage 
 raur' id) urns toerfonte litd 
 
 $dj, mer bringt tie fc^onen Xage, 
 
 63. (Benialifcij reiben 
 
 @o tualg' id) otjne Unterlag, 
 Sic @onft ^5iogene, mein gag. 
 tft e graft, ba(b ift e 
 ift e^ 2ieb ; , balb tft e* 
 ift e bie^, balb ift e ba^ ; 
 ift em ^td)t^ unb ift em S35a. 
 itd't^ id) oljne Unterlag, 
 
 , mein gag. 
 
 64. Ztn ben 3ev?o$ ^iarl 
 
 SR o m, ben 28. Stuguft 1787. 
 
 X)u forgeft freunblic^ mir ben 
 Wit Siebling^blmnen jn beftreun. 
 @tttt tl)atig banle bir mein ^eben 
 giir atteg utc, wa bn mir erjeigft. 
 gitgft bu ba^u bie (gorge fur bic^ felbft, 
 @o ge^ ic^ o^ne Siinfcfye frb^ic^ I)in. 
 
 nur gemeinfam 2Bof)l begtittft ^Serbunbenc. 
 
76 (5oetfyes (Sebicfyte. 
 
 65. Hmov aU Cat^fcijaftemaler. 
 
 id) fritl) auf enter gelfenfjri^e, 
 mit ftarren 2lugen in ben 9?ebel ; 
 ein gran gmnbierte$ ttd) getyannet, 
 er atteS in Me Sreit unb oe. 
 
 @teltt' ein ^nabe ftt^ mtr an bie 
 
 Sieber grennb, tt)ie magft bu ftarrenb 
 (eere %nd) getaffen fcljauen? 
 aft bn benn gum !3)Men unb gum 33itben 
 i((e Suft auf etoig tt)ol)l tjerloren? 
 
 ^ an ba$ ^inb unb bad)te 
 2BtH ba6 ^Bubct)en bod) ben Sftetfter madjen 
 
 Stllft bu immer triib unb tnitgig, bteiben, 
 
 ber ^nabe, lann nicfyts f tuge^ tnerben 
 , id) toil! bir gteid) ein 33ilbd)en malen, 
 15 jDtd) ein fyiibfdjeS ^Bitbdjen maten (e^ren. 
 
 Unb er ridjtete ben 
 
 fo rb'tlid) ti)ar H)te eine SRofe, 
 bent tuetten au^gefpannten 
 ging ntit feinent finger an gu geid^nen: 
 
 Oben ntalf er eine fd)b'ne onne, 
 )ie ntir in bie 5Iugen ma'cfytig glangte, 
 Unb ben @aunt ber SBoIlen ntad^t' er go(ben r 
 bie (Stra^en burd) bie SBotten bringen ; 
 
 bann bie jarten, (etd)ten SBipfet 
 25 gnfd) erqui(fter Canute, gog bie iigef, 
 
 Sinen nad) bent anbern, fret bafyinter ; 
 
77 
 
 Unten (teg er'3 nid)t an SBaffcr fefyfen, 
 >Jetdmete ben glujs fo gang natitrlid), 
 
 er fc^ien im @onnenftral)( gu 
 
 er fdjien am fyofyen 3ftanb gu raufdjen. 30 
 
 $cf), ba ftanben ^3(umen an bem gluffe, 
 llnb ba toaren garben auf ber Stefe, 
 olb nnb @c^me(3 unb ^nrpur imb ein 
 
 tt)ie >maracjb unb tote ^arfnnfel! 
 
 nnb rein fafierf er brauf ben ^mnntel 35 
 Unb bte Manen ^3ercje fern nnb ferner, 
 
 Jd), gan^ entgitcft unb neu geboren, 
 
 ben ^aler, balb ba3*33tlb bef^autc. 
 
 r id) bod), fo fagf er, btr bewtefen, 
 id) biefe^ anbiDer! gut t>erftel)e ; 40 
 
 e8 ift ba^ c^tDerfle nod) guriicfc. 
 
 3etd)nete barnad) ntit fpi^ent ginger 
 
 Unb ntit grower (Sorgfalt an bem Salbdjen, 
 
 rab an^ (Snbe, IDO bie Sonne Iraftig 
 
 $on bem ^eden 53oben tvtbergtangte, 45 
 
 3eidmete ba^ a(Ier(tebfte 3^ab(^en, 
 
 2Bofyfgebilbet, gierlid) ange!(eibet, 
 
 grifdje SKangen unter braunen aaren, 
 
 Unb bie SSangen maren Don ber garbe 
 
 ba^ gtngerc^en, ba fie gebilbet. 50 
 
 bu ^nabe ! rief id), \Qtl ein 3Jleifter 
 in feine <Sd)u(e bid) genommen, 
 bu fo gefdjttrinb unb fo natiirlic^ 
 ting beginnft unb gut ttollenbeft? 
 
78 (Soettjes (5ebtd?te. 
 
 55 Da id) nod) fo rebe, fiel), ba rttljret 
 
 @id) em 2Binbd)en unb betnegt bie ipfet, 
 tranfett atte Setfen auf bent gluffe, 
 gitflt ben @d)(eier be fcottfommnen 
 llnb, ma$ mid) (Srftaunten tnefyr crftaunte, 
 60 ga'ngt ba TObdjen an, ben gng gn riUjren, 
 
 lommen, na'^ert fid) bem )rte r 
 ic^ mit bent lofen Seljrer fi^e. 
 
 nnn alfe$, atte^ fid) beroegte, 
 
 , g(n nnb tinmen nnb ber @d)(eier 
 6 5 Unb ber gartc gng ber ^llerf^bnften, 
 
 tanbt iljr tt)o()l r id) fei anf tnetnem getfen 
 ein gelfen ftitt nnb fcft gebiieben? 
 
 66. 
 
 Die (SUidjgiiltigen. 
 
 mit, o c^one, lomm mit mir ^nm 
 gel^bret jnm fefttid)en ag. 
 bn mein @dja^ nidjt, fo fannft bn e toerben, 
 3Birft bn eg nintmer, fo tanjen tvir boc^. 
 
 mit, o (Scfyone, !omm mit mir gum Xanje ; 
 Derfjerrlicfyt ben feftlic^en Xag. 
 
 I> i c g a r 1 1 i d? c n. 
 
 O)tte bic^, gicbftc, h?a^ maren bie gcftc ? 
 
 D^ne bid), itfee, h)a^ mare ber an$ ? 
 
 SBarft bn mein @d)a^ nid)t, fo mod)t 7 id) nidjt tangen, 
 
 ^3(eibft bn e^ immer, ift Seben ein geft. 
 
 Dfyne bic^, Siebfte, tt)a maren bie gefte ? 
 
 Dl)ne bid), tijse, ma^ mare ber 
 
(Soet^es (5ebid?tc. 79 
 
 Die (Sletcfygiilttgen. 
 
 Sag fie nur lieben, nnb lag bit nn tan^en ! 
 @d)mad)tenbe Siebe fcermeibet ben an$. 
 @d)lingen nnr frofyltd) ben bretyenben SReifyen, i 5 
 
 cfjleidjen bie anbern pm banvmernben 3SaIb. 
 Sag fie nur tieben, nnb lag bu un$ tanjen ! 
 @d[)mad)tenbe Siebe tiennetbet ben 
 
 Die gcirtltdjen. 
 
 Sag fie fid) bretjen, nnb lag bn un^ tvanbeln ! 
 Sanbetn ber Siebe ift l)immtifd)er an$. 
 Slmor, ber nat)e, er ^oret fie fpotten, 
 $Ra'(^et fid) etmnal nnb racket fid) batb. 
 Sag fie fid) bre^en, nnb lag bn nn3 manbetn ! 
 2Banbeln ber Siebe ift fyunmlifdjer 
 
 67. Hn ^ie (Entferntc. 
 
 bid) tierloren? 
 
 bn r o cfyone, mir entflo^n? 
 ftingt in ben ojetoofynten DI)ren 
 (gin jebe$ Sort, ein jeber Xon. 
 
 o une be^ 3Kanbrer^ ^3(i(f am Sftorcjen 
 23ergeben in bie Sitfte bringt, 
 SBenn, in bent blanen 9?annt t?erborgen, 
 oc^ itber t^tn bte Serene fingt : 
 
 bringet angftti^ I)in nnb ttneber 
 
 gelb nnb 33nfd) nnb Salb tnein ^Bticf ; 
 rnfen alle nteine Sieber ; 
 , lontnt, eliebte, ntir jnrittf ! 
 
80 (Soctfyes (Scbidptc. 
 
 68. 
 
 foil ber aftenfdj uerlcmgen? 
 3ft e$ beffer, rufyig bleiben ? 
 $lammernb feft fid) an^utjcmgen ? 
 3ft e beffcr, fid) 311 treiben? 
 @olt er fid) ein tiu$d)en baiien? 
 <Sol( er untcr 3 e to (eben? 
 (Soil er auf bie getfen traucn? 
 @clbft bie feften gelfen beben. 
 
 frfjicft fid) nid)t fitr attc! 
 @e()e jeber, tute er'^ trcibc, 
 (Sefye jeber, luo er bleibe, 
 Unb tt>cr fte^t, bag er nid)t falle ! 
 
 O9. (Svinncrung, 
 
 SBillft bu immer wetter fd)tt)etfen? 
 @telj, ba utc licgt fo nal). 
 Serne nur ba^ Iucf ergreifen, 
 ift immer ba. 
 
 7O. 
 
 f), get)or^e metnen Sinfen, 
 beine jungen Xage, 
 ^eitig Kiiger fein : 
 Sluf be^ lMe3 grower SBage 
 
(Seethes <Sebtd?te. 81 
 
 bie 
 
 )n mnjst ftetgen ober finfen, 
 m mngt Ijerrfdjen unb getoinnen, 
 Ober bienen unb cerlieren, 
 eiben ober trinntpfyieren, 
 ober antnter fetn. 
 
 71. 
 
 SSenebig 1790. 
 
 2Bie man elb unb 3eH bert^an, 
 a3ud)retn lufttg on. 
 
 1. 
 
 tc^ ba ^anb,ben jammer benterrfd)er, 
 Unb bent SBoIfc ta 23fed), ba^ in ber SWittc fief) friimmt. 
 bem armen ^3tec^ ! menn nnr wiKfiirlt^e @d)Iage 
 trcffcn, nnb nie fertig ber ^cffel erfdjeint. 
 
 errfd)er fid) ber, ber fetnen 3Sortet( t)erftef)et: 
 urn* tnci^lten nn^ ben, ber fid) anf nnfem terfte^t. 
 
 3. 
 
 id) fie unmfdje ; ba l)eit, bitnt't mid), mit it)enigem oiel. 
 bent SO^eere gtng id) nnb fnd)te ntir 9J?nfc^e(n. Qn einer 
 id) ein *$er(d)en ; e^ bleibt nnn ntir ant 
 
 4. 
 
 I)ab' id) oerfndjt, ge^eid^net, in npfer geftod)en, 
 6( gentalt, in Xt)on l)ab' id) and) mand)e gebrnrft, 
 ilnbeftiinbig Jebod), nnb nic^t gelernt noc^ geleiftet ; 
 
82 (Soetfyes <5ebtd?te. 
 
 5Rur em eingig talent brad)f id) ber 9fteifterfdjaft nafj : 
 15 )eutfd) 311 fdjreiben. Unb fo tierberb' id) unglitcfltdjer )id)ter 
 3n betn fdjlecfyteften @toff leiber nun Seben unb $unft 
 
 5. 
 $Iein ift unter ben giirften ermaniend freiticf) ber tneine ; 
 
 $ui*3 nnb fdjmat tft fein Sanb, magig nnr, mad er Dermag. 
 5lber fo luenbe nad) innen, fo toenbe nad) au^en bie ^rdfte 
 
 a wft^ ein geft, T)eutfc^er mtt T)entfd)en U fein. 
 ^riefeft bn Qfyn, ben X()aten unb 2Berfe t>er!unben ? 
 Unb befto^en erfcfyten betne 33ere^rung t)ie((eid)t ; 
 )enn mir ^at er gegeben, tt>a$ roge felten gelua^ren, 
 
 ^etgung, SJhtjje, 35ertraun, gelber unb arten unb @au$. 
 25 ^temanb brauc^t' id) gu banlenat^ 3I)nt, unb mand)e beburff ic^, 
 !Der ic^ mid) auf ben (Srroerb fd)ted)t, old ein T>ic^ter, oerftanb. 
 ot mid) (Suropa gelobt, ma^ ()at mir Gmropa gegeben ? 
 
 ^ic^td ! 3dj ^obe, mie f djroer ! meine ebicl)te bega^lt. 
 )eutfd)Ianb a^mte mic^ nac^, unb granfreid) mod)te mid) lefen. 
 30 (Snglanb ! freunblic^ empfingft bu ben jerritttcten aft. 
 mad forbert ed mid), bag and) fogar ber (S^inefe 
 
 mit angftlid)er anb crt^ent unb Gotten auf tad ? 
 9?iematd fmg ein $aifer nac^ mir, ed fyat fic^ fein ^onig 
 llm mid) befitmmert, unb (Sr mar mir 5Iuguft unb 3J?acen. 
 
 35 Grined 9Dlenfd)en Ceben, mad ift'd ? !Dod^ Xaufenbe lonnen 
 
 9?eben iiber ben 9^ann, mad er unb mie efd getl)an. 
 2Bentger ift ein ebid)t ; bod) tb'nnen ed Xaufenb gentegen, 
 Xaufenbe tabeln. 9JJein greunb, tebe nur, bidjte nur fort ! 
 
 7. 
 
 $lfle greitjeitdapoftet, fie maren mir immer gumiber ; 
 40 StUtur fud)te bod) nur jeber am (Snbe fur fid). 
 
(Soct^cs <5ebtd?te. 83 
 
 SKtllft bu mete befrein, fo mag' e$, trielen 311 bienen. 
 
 e gefcifyrlid) baS fet, roiflft bu e$ nriffen? $erfud)' 1 
 
 $b'nige molten baS ute, bie )emagogen be$gletd)en, 
 @agt man ; bod) irren fie fid) : 2)?enfd)en, ad) r finb fie, tt)te mir. 
 
 9^te gettngt e^ ber s D^enge r fitr fid) 311 molten ; trtr miffen^ : 45 
 Doc^, mer berfteljet, fur un^ atte ju moflen, cr ^eig^. 
 
 9. 
 granlretd^ traurig efd)td, bie ro^en mogen'^ bebenlen ; 
 
 5(ber bebenlen fitriua^r fotten e^ ^leine nod) met)r. 
 roe gingen ju runbe : bod) tt>er befc^it^te bie s D2enge 
 
 egen bie avenge ? a tnar s D^enge ber 9}|enge ^t)rann. 50 
 
 10. 
 
 Xolte 3^iten l)ab 7 id) ertebt unb ^ab' nic^t ermangett, 
 @elbft aud) tt)brid^t ju fein, une e^ bie $tit tnir gebot. 
 
 11. 
 
 Sange ()aben bie rojjen ber granjen ^pradje gefprodjen, 
 alb nur gead)tet ben 9)2ann, bem fie i)om SO^unbe nidjt ffo^. 
 ladt alte^ $olf entjitdft bie prad)e ber granfen. 55 
 
 , 9Jt x ad)tige, nid^t ! 2Ba i^r Derlangtet, gefd)iel)t. 
 
 12. 
 
 60 
 
 2BaY id) ein t)au^lid)e^ 2Betb unb ^atte, ma ic^ bebitrfte, 
 Xreu fein tt)o(lf ic^ unb frol), ^er^en unb litffen ben 9ttann. 
 
 (So fang, unter anbern gemeinen Siebern, ein !Dirnc^en 
 Wiv in $enebig, unb nie ^brf id) ein frb'mtner ebet. 
 
 13. 
 
 2Bunbern lann e^ mid) nid)t, bag 90^enfd)en bie unbe fo fieben, 
 5E)enn ein erba'rmttd)er @d)uft ift, mie ber 9}ienfc^, fo ber unb. 
 
84 (Soetfjes <5ebtd?te. 
 
 14. 
 
 mtt mtr ba (Sdjtrffal geiuoflt ? (8 mare 
 
 1 fragen ; benn meift \rnil e3 mit triefen nidjt triet 
 65 (Stnen X)tc^ter gu bttben, bte 5lbfirf)t tt>aV iljm gehmgen, 
 atte bie <S))racf)e fid^ nicfyt uniibemmbltd) ge^eigt. 
 
 72. 
 
 gern ton gebilbeten 3J?enfc^en, am @nbe be$ 9^eic^e r tner ^t(ft eud) 
 
 ftnben itnb fie gtucf(id) brtngen an Sid^t ? 
 SSerftanb unb ^ebttc^leit ^elfen, e^ fii^ren bte betben 
 @d)litffel p {eglidjem @cf)afe tDelc^en bte (5rbe 
 
 73. Die 
 
 5ln bem retnften 
 
 ing bte djttferte unb fang, 
 
 unb fdjon unb o^ne (Sorgen, 
 burt^ bte getber Hang, 
 
 (So (a la! (e radal 
 
 bot t()r fitr em SO^auIc^en 
 brei (Sd)dfc^en gletcfj am Ort r 
 ffjaft bltcfte fie ein SBeildjen ; 
 fie fang unb (adjte fort, 
 10 @o (a (al le rafla! 
 
 llnb etn anbrer bot tfyr Dauber, 
 Unb ber brttte bot fetn er^ ; 
 !Do^ fie trieb mtt er$ unb ^3anbern 
 <So n?te mit ben a'mmem 
 15 9^ur la la ! le ralfa 1 
 
(Soetfyes <Sebtd?te. 85 
 
 74. Die Sefet^rte. 
 
 bem lan^e ber Stbenbrote 
 ing id) [till ben SBalb entfang, 
 )amon fa nnb bites bie glote, 
 $a e$ Don ben gelfen Hang, 
 @o (a la! 5 
 
 Unb er jog mid), ad) I an fid) nieber, 
 
 $itgte mid) fo ^olb, fo fii. 
 
 llnb id) fagte : ^Blafe tt)icbcr ! 
 
 Unb ber gnte 3unge blie, 
 
 <So (a (a ! 10 
 
 Sfteine Dfnfje tft nnn bertoren, 
 SKeinc grenbe f(o^ bat>on, 
 Unb ti^ tjore Dor meinen O^ren 
 
 nnr ben alten Xon r 
 la la, le ratta. n. f. tD. 15 
 
 75. Un bie 
 
 anb in $anb! unb 8ipp ; anf 
 9ftabd)en, bleibe tren ! 
 ot)(! nnb mand)e 
 ga^rt bein Stebfter ,no^ 
 $ber menn er einft ben afen, 
 bem tnrme, nieber gritgt, 
 
 i^n bie otter ftrafen, 
 333enn er ol)ne bid) genie^t. 
 
86 (Beetles (5ebtd?tc. 
 
 geiuagt ift fcfyon geinonnen, 
 10 alb ift fd)on mein 28erf t)oObrad)t! 
 
 Sterne knd)ten mir nne @onnen, 
 bent Setgen ift e$ 9?ad)t. 
 ic^ rnit^tG btr ^ur (gette, 
 
 nod) ber ^nntmer mid) ; 
 15 5)od) in alter biefer ^Beite 
 
 irF ic^ rafd) nnb nnr fitr bid). 
 
 <Sdjon ift mir ba X()a( gefunben, 
 $Bo iDtr einft gufammenge^n 
 Unb ben @trom in 3(benbftnnben 
 20 anft ^inuntergleiten fe^n. 
 
 ^appefn auf ben 2Biefen, 
 33udjen in bent ain! 
 , nnb fyinter a((en biefen 
 bod) and) ein itttd)en fein! 
 
 76. HalK bcs (Beliebten. 
 
 benfe bein, tuenn ntir ber <Sonne <Sd)immer 
 
 33om 9J?eere ftra^tt; 
 benfe betn, luenn fid) be$ 9Jlonbe^ glimmer 
 
 3n Qneden malt. 
 
 l e ^ e ^i^f toenn auf bent fernen 3S3ege 
 
 2)er 8tanb fid) f)ebt ; 
 tiefer 57ac^t r luenn anf bent fdmtaten tege 
 Sanbrer bebt. 
 
(Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 87 
 
 fyore bid), ttienn bort mit bumpfem SRcmfdjen 
 
 tc 2BelIe fteigt. 10 
 
 ftiden atne ge^ ic^ oft jn Icmfd)en, 
 SBenn a(te^ fd)lt)eigt. 
 
 bin bei bir, bit fetft aud) nod) fo feme, 
 
 S)u bift mir na^ ! 
 @onne ftnlt, ba(b (end)ten mir bie ternc. 15 
 
 O, tt)(irft bn ba ! 
 
 77. 21tccrc5 StiUc, 
 
 Xiefe tide fyerrfdjt tm Gaffer, 
 O^ne 9vegung ru^t ba^ SO^eer, 
 Unb befiimmert fiel)t ber @d)iffer 
 tatte 8*(ad)e rincjSumljer. 
 ^eine 8nft t>on feiner @eite! 
 Xobe^ftille f itrdjterlic^ ! 
 3n ber ungefyeuern 
 9?eget feine SBette 
 
 78. <5lttctlid?e 
 
 5E)ie 9^ebe( ^erreigen, 
 ^)er imme( ift fjetle, 
 Unb toto lofet 
 )a$ dngft(id)e ^3anb. 
 @ fanfeln bie Sinbe, 
 (g rtt^rt fid) ber Differ. 
 efd)tt)inbe ! efd)n)inbe 1 
 @ teilt fi^ bie SBelte, 
 (S^ na^t fid) bie gerne ; 
 et) ? id) ba 
 
(Soetljes (Sebtcfyte. 
 
 79. Uleyis unb Dora. 
 
 $d) I uuauffjaltfam ftrebet bag <Srf)iff mit jebem 9ftomeute 
 S)urd) bie fcfyaumeube glut tueiter unb better fytuaug I 
 Saugfym furd)t fid) bte eleife beg ielg, ftoriu bte )elpf)iue 
 
 ^priugeub folgeu, alg flol)' iljueu bte 33eute baoou. 
 5 2llleg beutet auf glitdttdje gal)rt : ber ritfytge ^Boot^mann 
 am ^egel gelittb, ba fid) fitr a((e bemitfyt ; 
 
 bringt ber ^tffeubeu eift, trie gtaggeuuub Stmpet; 
 Stuer uur fte^t ritcfmartg traurtg gemeubet am 2!ftaft, 
 
 bte ^3erge fdjou blau, bte fd)eibeubeu r fie^t iu ba 9[Reer fie 
 9lieberfiu!eu, e^ fiuft jegtic^e greube Dor tijm. 
 
 bir ift e t)erfd)ti)uubeu r bag @djtff, ba betneu 5llejctg, 
 r, o !Dora, beu greunb, ac^ ! bir beu ^Srautigam raubt. 
 bu bfttfeft t)ergebeug uad) mtr. 91od) fd)(agett bie v^ergen 
 
 etnonbcr, bod), ad) ! nun au etuauber utd)t meljr. 
 15 (Smgiger 2lugeubttrf, iu tt)eld)em id) lebte ! bu ttriegeft 
 We Xage, bie fouft fait mir uerfdjnnubeubeu, auf. 
 2ld) ! uur im 9lugettbli(f, im le^teu, ftieg mir eiu Sebeu 
 Uutiermutet iu bir, un'e DOU beu otteru, l)erab. 
 
 umfouft DerHftrft bu mit beiuem id)te beu St^er ; 
 )eitt al(leud)teuber ^ag, ^pljobug, mir ift er Derfyaftt. 
 u mid) felber feljr' ic^ juritct ; ba un'll id) im ftilleu 
 SBieber^oleu bie gtit, alg fie mir taglid) erfd)ieu. 
 
 eg moglid), bie djb'u^eit gu fefytt uub uid)t gu empfiubeu ? 
 Sffiirlte ber ^immlif^e $Hei^ uid)t auf beiu ftumpfeg emitt ? 
 25 Ullage bid), firmer f uid)t au ! @o legt ber )id)ter eiu D^atfel, 
 
 ^Uuftlid)mit^Borteu fcerfcfyrcmtt, oft ber 33erfammluug iugD^r. 
 -3ebeu freuet bie feltue, ber ^ierlicfyett ^Bilber 35erluitpfuug, 
 5lber uod) fefylet bag 2Bort r bag bie ^Bebeutuug tiertt)a^rt. 
 3ft eg eublid) eutbecft, bauu ^eitcrt fid) jebeg emitt auf 
 
(Soetfyes (5ebtd?te. 89 
 
 Unb erblirft im ebid)t boppelt erfreulidjen <5inn. 30 
 
 2Idj, ttwrum fo fpat, o 2lmor, nafymft bit bie 23.inbe, 
 
 )ie bit um$ Slug' mir gelnityft,nal)mft fie gu fpat mir fyinfoeg f 
 ange fd)on fyarrte befradjtet ba @d)iff auf gimftige gitfte ; 
 
 (Snbltd) ftrebte ber SBtnb glMlid) om Ufer tn^ !>D?eer. 
 Seere 3^^ten ber 3^9^^b 1 imb leere ^raume ber 3 u ^ un f^ 35 
 
 3^r Derfcfjtumbct, e$ bletbt etn^ig bte @titnbe mtr nur. 
 3a r fie bleibt, e$ bleibt mtr ba^ (ittf ! id) Ijalte bic^ r ^Dora ! 
 
 llnb bie offnitng ^etgt, )ora, bein ^Btlb mtr altetn. 
 Dfter fa^ t^ gum 3Tempe( bid) gefyn, gefc^mitdt unb gefittet, 
 
 Unb ba$ ^ittterd)en ging feierlic^ neben bir !)er. 40 
 
 (Silig inarft bu unb frtfc^, ju 9ftartte bie gritc^te 311 tragen ; 
 
 Unb tom -^3runnen, tt)ie fitlm ! tutegte bein aupt ba$ efci^ 
 !Da erfdjien bein a(3, erfd)ien bein ^adfen tior alien, 
 Unb tior alien -erfd)ien beiner 33ett>egnngen 9J?a. 
 
 I)ab' id) geforgt, e^ incite ber ^rng bir entftitqen ; 45 
 er ^ielt fid) ftet anf bent geringeften Xnd). 
 c^one 9^ad)barin, ja, fo tnar id) getuo^nt bid) p fe^en, 
 3Bte man bie @terne fie^t, itie man ben 2D?onb fic^ befd)ant, 
 an ifynen erfreut, nnb innen im rnfyigen ^Bufen 
 
 ber entferntefte Snnfd), fie gu bef%n, fid) regt 50 
 
 , fo gingt ifyr ba^in ! 9inr ^anjtg c^rttte getrennet 
 SBaren bie aufer, nnb nie ^ab ; ic^ bie @d)tt)e((e berit^rt. 
 Unb nnn trennt nn^ bie graIid)e glut ! )u (itgft nur ben immel, 
 
 bein ^errlid)e 23(au ift mir bie garbe ber 9?ad)t. 
 rit^rte fic^ fcljon ; ba lam ein nabe getaufen 55 
 
 5ln mein fca'ter(id) au^, rief mic^ 3um @tranbe ^tnab. 
 @d)on er^ebt fic^ ba$ @egel r e^ pattert im 2Btnbe, fo fprac^ er, 
 
 Unb gelid)tet, mit ^raft, trennt fic^ ber 5lnler Dom @anb. 
 ^omm, 2l(erj$, o !omm ! !Da brMte ber matfere 33ater 
 Siirbtg bie fegnenbe anb mtr auf ba$ lodige au)3t ; 60 
 
90 (Soetfjes <8cbid?te. 
 
 @orglid) retc^te bie gutter ein nadjbereiteteg 33itnbet : 
 lucfftd) tefyre guriirf ! riefen fie, gtMlid) unb retd) ! 
 Unb fo fprang id) fyintteg, bag 33imbeldjen unter bem 
 $tn ber 0?auer fyinab, fanb an ber pre bid) ftefyn 
 65 )eineg (Sarteng. )u tadjelteft mir unb fagteft : 
 
 @tnb bie armenben bort beine efeflen ber 
 grcmbc ^itften befnd)eft bu nun, unb fdftltc^c SSarcn 
 anbelft bu ein unb (Scfytnuct reid)en SCftatronen ber 
 5lber bringe mir aud) ein (eid)te ^ett^en; id) toil! eg 
 70 1)anfbar jafylen : fo oft ^ab' id) bie 3ierbe gett)imfd)t ! 
 (Steven n>ar ic^ geblieben unb fragte, nad) Seife beg ^aufmanng, 
 (Stft nad) gorm unb @en)id)t beiner ^BefteUung genau. 
 befdjeiben ennogft bu ben 'preig ; ba blicft' ii^ inbeffen 
 
 bem atfe, beg @d)mucfg unferer $onigin tnert. 
 75 $ e f^9 er to 'nte t)om @c^iff bag efc^ret ; ba fagteft bu freunbtid) : 
 
 9fttnm aug bem arten nod) einige gritd)te mit btr! 
 SWtnmbtc reifften Drangen, bielueiftengetgen; bag 9Wccr bringt 
 
 $eine gritd)te, fie bringt jeglid)eg Sanb nic^t ^ertior. 
 Unb fo trat id) ^erein. 5)u brac^ft nun bie griid)te gefc^aftig, 
 80 Unb bie golbene Saft gog bag gefcfyitqte ettjanb. 
 Ofterg bat id) : eg fei nun genug ! unb immer noc^ eine 
 
 @d)b'nere fynfyt fiel bir, leife beriifyrt, in bie anb. 
 (rnblid) famft bu gur ?aube fyinan ; ba fanb fid) ein $b'rbd)en, 
 
 Unb bie 30li)rte bog bfitfyenb fid) itber ung fytn. 
 85 @c^meigenb beganneft bu nun gefd)icft bie gritd)te p orbnen : 
 bie Orange, bie fd)tt>er ru^t, a(g ein gotbener ^3a(I, 
 bie ii)eid)(i(^e geige, bie jeber !Dru(f fc^on entftettet ; 
 Unb mit 9D2t)rte bebectt tt)arb unb ge^iert bag efd)enf. 
 2lber id) ^ob eg nidjt auf ; ic^ ftanb. 2Bir faljen einanber 
 90 $n bie 5lugen, unb mir ttarb oor bem 5luge fo tritb. 
 )einen 53ufen fit^tf id) an meinem ! )en ^errlic^en 9^acfen, 
 
(Soetfjes (5ebtd?te. 91 
 
 I)n nmfd)tong nun mem ten ; tanfenbmal fitfjf id) betf 
 fan! itber bie coulter bein anpt; nun fttityften and) beine 
 &ieblid)en 2(rme ba$ 33anb nm ben 33eglMten fyernm. 
 2lmor$ anbe fiiljft' id) : er britdf nn$ gemaltig jufatrnneti, 95 
 
 Unb an$ fyeiterer uft bonnerf e$ breimat ; ba po 
 anftg bie Xfyrane tiom 5lug' mtr ^erab, bit toeinteft, ic^ tDeinte, 
 Unb Dor ^anuner nnb (ii(f fd)ien un bie Selt gu t)erge^n. 
 -3nuner ^efttger rief e^ am <Stranb ; ba moKten bie gufce 
 
 Wlify nid)t tragen, ic^ rief : !Dora ! unb bift bit nid)t metn? 100 
 (5tt>ig ! fagteft bn (eife. )a fdjienen nnfere 
 bttrd) gotttidje Snft, leife tiom 2htge 
 rief e : 2UerjS ! 'Da blitfte ber fudjenbe ^nabe 
 
 bie I)itre ^erein. Sie er ba^ orbcf)en empfing! 
 er mid) trieb! 2Bieid)bir bie anb nod) brMte ! 3 U d)iffe 105 
 2Bie id) gefommcn ? -3$ ^ e ifc bag ic^ ein Xrnnlener fd)ien. 
 Unb fo l)ie(ten mid) aucf) bie efelien, fdjonten ben $ranten ; 
 
 Unb fd)on betfte ber and) tritber (Sntfernnng bie @tabt. 
 (Sinig ! Dora, lifpelteft bn ; mir ft^allt eS im O^re 
 
 Wlit bem Donner be^ 3 eu ^ ' <Stanb fie bod) neben bent l)ron, no 
 (Seine Xodjter, bie dttin ber 2iebe ; bie (^ra^ten ftanben 
 
 _3I)r pr ^eiten ! @r ift gdtterbe!raftigt, ber 
 O, fo eile benn, c^iff, mit aden gi'mftigen SBinben 
 
 (Strebe, mad)tiger ^ie(, trenne bie fd)a'nmenbe 
 fringe bem fremben vf)afen mid) gn, bamit mir ber olbfdmtibtns 
 
 Qn ber SSerfftatt gleic^ orbne ba^ fyimmftfdje ^3fanb. 
 Sat)r(id) ! 3nr ette foil bag ^ettc^en tocrbcn, o Dora ! 
 
 9^ennmal nmgebe fie bir, locfer geinnnben, ben a($ ! 
 gerner fd)aff r id) nod) (Sdnnncf, ben mannigfattigften ; gotbne 
 
 <Spangen fo((en bir anc^ reicfylid) oeqieren bie anb : i 20 
 
 Da tDetteifre 9^nbin nnb @maragb, ber liebtic^e 
 bem t)acintl) fi(^ gegenitber, nnb olb 
 
92 (Soetfjes (Sebtd?tc. 
 
 atte bag (Sbetgeftein in fd)b'ner ^erbinbnng gnfammen. 
 ), nne ben 33rantigam freut, ein^ig jn fd)tnit(fen bie 33raut 1 
 )' icf) ^3erlen, fo benf id) an bid) ; bet jegticfjem 9?inge 
 $ommt mir ber tangtidjen anb fd)b'neg ebitb in ben inn. 
 anfcf)en nritt id) nnb laufen ; bn fottft bag cfjonfte Don aHem 
 
 Sa'fjkn ; id) iDibmete gern atte bie Sabnng nnr bir. 
 )od) nic^t (Sc^mnd nnb 3^ 1 ^ten allein t)erfc^afft bein etiebter: 
 
 5Ba^ ein I)tiu3lid)e3 Seib frenet, ba bringt er bir anc^. 
 getne toottene X)e(fen mit ^urpnrfa'nmen, ein Stager 
 
 3u bereiten, ba^ nn^ tranlic^ nnb ii)eid)tid) empfa'ngt ; 
 $tiftUd)er Seinmanb tiitfe. !Dn fil^eft nnb na'fyeft nnb Keibeft 
 nnb bid) nnb and) tt>ol)l nod) ein britte$ barein. 
 ber offnung, tanfc^et mein erj! D, ma'giget, otter, 
 ^)iefen geiuattigen 33ranb, ber mir ben ^Bnfen burd)tobt ! 
 Slber and) fie Derlang' icf) jnriitf, bie fc^mer^li^e greube, 
 Senn bie @orge fid) fait, grti j#id) getaffen, mir na()t. 
 9?id)t ber (5rinnt)en gatfel, ba^ 33elten ber ^o(Iifd)en nnbe 
 140 cfjrecft ben SSerbred)er fo in ber $eqtt>eif(nng efilb, 
 5l( ba gelafcne efpenft mid) fdjrecft, ba bie cfyone con fern mir 
 
 3eiget : bie X^itre fte^t tt)irf(id) beg arten$ nod) anf ! 
 llnb ein anberer fommt ! fjttr it)n and) fatten bie 8ritd)te ! 
 
 Unb bie Jeige geiua'tjrt ftarfenben onig ancf) i^m ! 
 145 Socftfie anc^ itjn nad) ber Sanbe? nnb fotgt er ? ), mac^t mic^, i^r 
 
 otter, 
 
 33tinb, t?ertt)ifc^et bag ^3itb jeber ^rinnrnng in mir ! 
 3a, ein 2J2abd)en ift fie ! unb bie fief) gefdjminbe bem einen 
 iebt, fie le^ret fief) and) fcfynett ^n bem anbern fyernm. 
 Sac^e nic^t biegmat, 3 eu ^ oer f re 4) gebrod)enen @cf)ii)itre ! 
 150 )onnere fcfjrecf lid)er ! rtff ! atte bie 33tie juritrf ! 
 @enbe bie fcfyttwntenben Gotten mir nacf) ! Qm ndcf)t(ic^en un!el 
 Xreffe bein tencfytenber ^3ti^ biefen nngtiitf ticfjen 3)iaft ! 
 
(Soetfjes (5ebid?te. 93 
 
 @treue bie $(cm!en umfyer itnb gieb ber tobenben Selfe 
 )iefe Saren, unb mid) gteb ben )elpf)inen gum ^Raitb I 
 , ifyr Oftufen, genug ! $ergeben$ ftrebt ifyr gu fcfyilbern, 155 
 
 fid) ^turner unb IM mec^fetn in liebenber ^Britft. 
 ei(en fonnet bte 2Bunben it)r nid)t, bie 2frnor gefc^Iagen ; 
 5lber Sinberung fotmnt etnjig, i^r uten, tion end). 
 
 8O. Xenten. 
 
 ^ Dcr prophet. 
 
 @d)abe, ba bie x ^atur nur e i n e n 3J?enf^en ait bir fd^uf, 
 enn gum tDitrbigen 50iann tnar unb gum @d)e(men ber toff. 
 
 2. D e r p u r i ft. 
 
 @innreirf) bift bu, bie pradje t)on fremben portent gu faubern : 
 fo fage bod), greunb, it)ie man ^ e b a n t un t>erbeutfd)t. 
 
 3. IDcr glaubt's? 
 
 fyat fic^ geivrt ? u $a, boppeft unb breifad) ! f/ ilnb tote 5 
 benn ?" 
 gauge ftefyt e^ gebrutft, aber e^ Heft e3 lein 
 
 <k. Hnbiepljiltfler. 
 
 greut euc^ be^ @d)metterling^ nid)t, ber ^3ofeim'c^t geugt 
 
 bie 9?aue, 
 !Die end) ben fyerrftdjen ofy, faft au^ ber @d)Uffe(, 
 
 5. 
 
 ift ba$ @d)tt)erfte Don allem ? 2Ba bir bae geic^tefte bitnfet, 
 it ben 5tugen gu fe^n, toa Dor ben 5Iugen bir liegt. 10 
 
 6. 
 
 toarft bu bem (Sbe(n unb btiebeft bod) ber Sttberne? 
 ifym ber @tul)(, too er fag, aber er blieb nur ein 
 
94 (Soet^es (Sebtd?te. 
 
 81. Der d^inefe in Horn, 
 
 (Sinen (Styinefen faf) id) in 9?om ; bie gefamten ebaube 
 
 2Hter unb ncuerer 3 e ^ fdjienen ifym lafttg unb fdjttier. 
 2ld) ! fo feuf $f er, bte Airmen ! id) fyoffe, fie foKen begreifen, 
 crft @au((f)en ton olj tragen.beS T)ac^e^ e^elt, 
 an fatten nnb ^ap^en, efd)ni^ unb bunter 33ergolbung 
 
 be^ gebilbeten 5lug^ feinerer inn nur erfreut. 
 , ba gtanbf i^, im ^3i(be, fo mand)en @rf)tt)armer p 
 fc^auen, 
 
 fein Iitftig efpinft ntit ber fotiben ^atitr 
 (Slmgem Xeppic^ Derg(eid)t, ben ec^ten, reinen efunben 
 ^ranl nennt, ba ja nur e r fyeifte, ber franfe, gefunb. 
 
 82. Her 
 
 5lrm am ^Bentel, !ran! am er 3 en 
 djleppf id) meine langen age. 
 5lrmut ift bte groftte ^(age r 
 $Reici)tum ift ba$ ^oc^fte ut ! 
 5 Unb, gu enben meine djmerjen, 
 
 ing id), einen djafc p graben. 
 aWeine eele foUft bu fyaben! 
 ctjrieb id) ^in mit eignem 33(ut 
 
 Unb fo'jog i^ flreif urn ^reife, 
 10 tettte it)unberbare glammen, 
 
 unb ^'noc^eniper! ^ufammen 
 
 Unb auf bie gelernte 3Beife 
 
(Soetfjes <Scbid?te. 95 
 
 rub id) nad) bem alten 
 
 bem ange^eigten ^latje : 15 
 
 g unb ftitrmifd) tnar bie 
 
 Unb id) faf) ein 2id)t t>on toeiten, 
 Unb eS !cmt g(etdj) etnem (Sterne 
 ginten au ber fernften gerne, 
 (5ben a(3 e^ gnjotfe fd)(ug. 
 Unb ba gait letn 33orberetten. 
 el(er luarb^ mit einemntate 
 3Son bem @(an^ ber tjotlen <Scf)aI 
 )te ein fc^oner Hnabe trug. 
 
 5Ingen fa^ tc^ blinfen 25 
 
 Unter bittern -^(nmenfran^e ; 
 Qn be^ Xranfe^ tmme(^g(an3e 
 ;Trat er in ben ^rei^ ()erein. 
 llnb er fyieft mt(^ freunblic^ trinlen ; 
 llnb ic^ bacfjt': (5$ lann ber ^nabe 30 
 
 ber fcljonen listen @abe 
 ntd)t ber ^3ofe fein. 
 
 rinfe 9^nt be retnen 
 
 )ann Derfte^ft bn bie 
 
 ^ommft mit angftUc^er ^3e[c^morung 35 
 
 s Jftrf)t 3urit(l an biefen Ort. 
 
 rabe ^ier nicf)t meljr tiergeben^. 
 
 ageS Arbeit, 3lbenb afte! 
 
 @anre SBodjen, fro^e gefte ! 
 
 bein liinftig ,3 a ^^^o r t. 40 
 
96 (Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 
 
 83. ttn Skitter. 
 
 3JHt etner Iletnen minei-alogifdjen ommlung. Sena, ben 13. Quni 1797. 
 
 jDem erren in ber SBiifte bradjt' 
 )er (Satan einen @tetn 
 llnb fagte : err, burii) betne 3J?acf)t 
 Sa e ein 33rotrf)en fein! 
 
 tie(en @temen fenbet bir 
 grennb ein aftufterftttd, 
 gtebft bu balb bafitr 
 taufenbfac^ 
 
 84. Der 
 
 at ber alte e^enmetfter 
 @td) bod) einmat tnegbegeben ! 
 Unb nun foden feine eifter 
 5lud) nad^ metnent SKilten (eben. 
 @etne Sort' unb Serfe 
 9Jier!t' ic^ unb ben 33raud), 
 Unb mit ciftcftarfc 
 ' id) SKunber and). 
 
 SBalte! 
 10 9Jiand)e (Stretfe, 
 
 Saffer flie^e 
 
 Unb mit reidjetn, t)o((em 
 
 3u bent ^3abe \itf) ergte^c. 
 
(Soetljes <Sebid?te. 97 
 
 Unb nun I ontm, bit after 33efen 1 15 
 
 9?imm bie fdjledjten Sumpenplfen ; 
 23tft fdjon (ange $ned)t getoefen ; 
 
 erfitfle meinen Siflen! 
 
 jmet Meinen ftefye, 
 Oben fet etn ^opf ! 20 
 
 (Site nun unb gefye 
 
 bem ^Baffertopf! 
 
 ttalfe 
 trede, 
 
 jinn ,3^ e ^ e r 2 s 
 
 SBaffcr flicgc 
 
 Unb mit retdjem, tiollem @cl)n)al(e 
 3u bem ^3abe fic^ ergtege. 
 
 t, er (ciuft sum lifer nieber ; 
 
 ! tft fdjon an bem gtuffe, 30 
 
 Unb mit 33(tt3eSfci)neUe iuteber 
 3ft er fyter mit rafd)em uffe. 
 
 sum jiuettcnmalc 1 
 ba^ 33ecfen fc^tottlt ! 
 
 fid) jebe @d)ale 35 
 
 3So(I mit SBaffer fulit ! 
 
 fte^e! 
 )enn trir 
 Reiner aben 
 SBoflgemeff en ! - 
 
 id) bod) ba $3ort fcergeffen ! 
 
98 (Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 
 
 2ld), ba$ SBort, toorauf am @nbe 
 (Sr ba nn'rb, tt)a$ er getnefen. 
 45 2Id), er Iciuft unb bringt befyenbe ! 
 
 SBarft bu bod) ber aftc ^3efen ! 
 neue itffe 
 er fcfynell ^erern, 
 3l(^! unb tjunbert glitffe 
 so (Stiirgen auf nttcl) etn. 
 
 ntcf)t (anger 
 idj' loffcn ; 
 SBifl il)n faffen. 
 !Dae ift XitcE e 1 
 
 55 2Idj, nnn lutrb mtr tmmer banger 
 
 TOene ! tteldje 
 
 O, bu SfoSgeburt ber fil(c I 
 @ofl ba ganje au erfaufen? 
 <Se^ id) fiber jebe @d)tueUe 
 60 )od) fd)on Safferftrome laufen. 
 
 (5in t)errud)ter ^3efen, 
 X)er nid)t ^bren uritt ! 
 , ber bu getoefen, 
 boc^ iuteber ftUI! 
 
 SBUIft's am ($nbe 
 @or nid)t laffen? 
 
 bid) faffen, 
 
 bid) I)alten 
 Unb ba^ alte 0(3 befjenbe 
 70 3)?it bem fdjarfen ^3eile flatten. 
 
(Soetfyes (Scbtd?te. 99 
 
 , ba lommt er fd)(eppenb toieber ! 
 
 id) mid) nur auf bid) toerfe, 
 
 ), o $obotb, liegft bu nteber ; 
 $rad)enb trifft bie glatte (Sdjarfe. 
 Safyrlidj, brat) getroffen ! 75 
 
 @e^t, er tft ent^net ! 
 Unb nun lann id) ^offen, 
 Unb id) attne fret! 
 
 80 
 @tet)n in (Site 
 
 fertig, in bte o!)e! 
 gelft mir, ad) ! i^r ^o^en 
 
 llnb fie (aufen! 9tof3 unb naffer 85 
 
 tm @aal nnb anf ben @tufen. 
 entfe^Iic^e^ emciffer ! 
 err nnb SJ^eifter ! ^bf mid) rnfen I - 
 2lcf), ba lommt ber 5D?eifter ! 
 err, bie 9^ot ift cjro ! 90 
 
 $)te tc^ rief, bie eifter, 
 ' id) nnn nid)t (o. 
 
 ,,3fn bie (gcfc, 
 
 33efen! ^3efen! 
 
 @eib ? 6 getnefen. . 95 
 
 )enn afe eifter 
 
 9?nft end) nnr, ^n fetnem 
 
 (grft ^ertjor ber alte SUJetftcr. 
 
100 (Soetfjes <5ebid?te. 
 
 85. Der 3un$0efctt unfc ber 
 
 fief ell. 
 
 2Bo ttrittft bit, flares $ad)lein, tyn 
 (So munter? 
 
 )n eilft mit frofyent, (ei(i)tem (Sinn 
 inunter. 
 5 SBa* fudjft bu etltg in bent 
 
 (So ^ore bod) nnb ftmd) einmaU 
 
 $fy loar em ^3ad)(etn, 
 @ic ^aben 
 
 fo gcfagt, bantit id) fc^nelt 
 
 raben 
 
 3nr aWii^Ic bort ^tnnnter foil, 
 Unb inttner bin ic^ rafdj nnb t)oll. 
 
 cfcll. 
 
 !Du eileft mil gelagnem 
 
 15 Unb iocit ntd)t, n>a id) J 
 
 ier fitfjle. 
 <& blicft bie fc^one 3MIerm 
 
 frennblid) ntanc^ntal nad^ bir l)in? 
 
 ie fiffnct fritf) beint 9^orgenlid)t 
 20 X)en Saben 
 
 Unb lotnmt, if)r liebe^ Slngefidjt 
 3n baben. 
 
 nfen ift fo coll nnb 
 mirb ntir gleid) pnt 
 
(Soettjes <Sebid?te. 101 
 
 (Befell. 
 
 ann fie im Staffer 8tebe(jl.:t 25 
 
 (Sntgitnben, 
 
 2Bie foil man 9?nl) mit Sleif^ i<nfc ^3v'iit' ' ; * / 
 
 2Bof)l finben? 
 
 SBenn man fie einmal nnr gefeljn, 
 
 5ldj! immer muft man nadj tbr gebn. 30 
 
 >ann ftitr^ id) auf bie SRaber mid) 
 
 3Jttt ^raufen, 
 
 Unb allc @d)anfe(n bre^en fic^ 
 
 @eitbem ba$ fd)one 9}?abd)en f^afft, 35 
 
 at and) ba^ Saffer begre $raft. 
 
 <SefcII. 
 
 Qn firmer, fiil)lft bn nic^t ben 
 
 3Bte anbre? 
 
 @ie lad)t bid) an nnb fagt im 
 
 toanbre ! 4 
 
 5ie l)telte bid^ inol)l felbft ^nrUrf 
 
 lit einem fugen ^iebe^blicf? 
 
 Badj. 
 
 liv ft)irb fo fdjtner, fo fd)tter, tom Ort 
 3n flieften : 
 
 3c^ friimme mi(^ nnr fad)te fort 45 
 
 X>nrc^ SBiefen; 
 
 Unb lam' e^ erft anf mid) nnr an, 
 )er 2Beg tnaV balb priicfget^an. 
 
102 (Soetfjes (Sebid?tc. 
 
 Cffll. 
 
 ejefle mehter StebeSqual, 
 50 $tf) fdjetbe ; 
 
 - ' JV murmelft mir oiefleidjt etnmal 
 
 el), fag' ifyr g(eid) unb fag 7 ifyr oft, 
 ftiK ber ttabe munfdjt unb ^ 
 
 86. Sd?wei?eralpe. 
 
 Sar bocf) geftern betn aupt no^ fo braun tote bte 
 
 ber 8teben r 
 
 )eren ^olbe^ ebtlb ftitt au ber gertte mtr toinft ; 
 (Stlbergrait be^ei^net bir frit^ ber (Sdjnee nun bte tpfet, 
 !l)er fief) in ftiirmenber 9^ac^t btr urn ben @d)eite( ergo^. 
 3ugenb, ad) ! tft bem fitter fo naf), burd) Seben oerbunben, 
 em betuegtidjer Xraum eftern unb eute oerbanb. 
 
 87. Die fltufa$eten. 
 
 Oft in tiefen 3Binterna'd)ten 
 id) an bte Ijolben Sftitfen : 
 3)?orgenrote (euc^tet, 
 llnb e tt)t(l fein Xag erfdjetnen : 
 5lber bringt gur redjten @tunbe 
 ber Sampe fromm e(eud)te, 
 c f ftatt Sluror' unb 
 
 fttflen glcig belebe! 
 fie (ie^en mic^ im 
 
(Scbtd?te. 103 
 
 !Dnmj)f unb nnerqnirflid), liegen, 10 
 
 llnb nad) jebem fpaten !3ftorgen 
 golgten nngenn^te age. 
 
 )a fid) nun ber grilling regte, 
 
 @agf id) ^n ben 9?ad)tigatten : 
 
 Ctebe ^ac^ttgalfen, fd)(aget 15 
 
 grit^ o fru^ ! Dor meinem genfter, 
 
 SKecft mid) au bem tioflen @(^(afe, 
 
 )er ben ^ihiglmg nt(id)tig feffelt. 
 
 )odj bie (ieberfitllten anger 
 
 ^e()nten nad)t Dor ntetnem genfter 20 
 
 Sfyre fitgen 9)7e(obien, 
 
 ie(ten ttad) bie Itebe 
 
 bem neugerit^rten 33nfen. 
 llnb fo ging bie 9?ad)t Doriiber, 25 
 
 Unb ^nrora fanb mid) [d)tafen, 
 a mtc tterfte lanm bie 
 
 ift e^ ommer tnorben, 
 llnb beim erften !00?orgenfd)immer 
 
 mii^ cms bem fyotben @d)tnmmer 30 
 gefdjcifttg fritl)e gliege. 
 llnbarm^erjig fefjrt fie h)ieber, 
 3Kenn auc^ oft ber Ijalb grtna^te 
 llngebnlbig fie t>erfd)end)et, 
 Socft bie nntierfc^cimten <Sd)tt)eftern, 35 
 
 llnb tion meinen 5lngenlibem 
 
 ber ^olbe @d)(of enttt>eid)en. 
 faring' ic^ Don bem ager, 
 bie getiebten 2!Jhifen, 
 
104 (Seethes (Sebid?te. 
 
 40 ginbe fie im 33ud)enf)aine, 
 
 Wlify gefaflig gu etnpfangen, 
 Unb ben leibigen ^nfelten 
 5anF id) mandje golbne @tnnbe. 
 @eib mir boc^, tt)r llnbequemen, 
 
 45 5Bon bem ^tc^ter l)od)geprtefeti 
 
 5l( bte warren 3Jiufageten. 
 
 88. Un Me <5iinfti$cn, 
 
 !Dic^ter (teben ntrfjt ju fdjtueigen, 
 Sollen fid) ber 3Kcngc geigen. 
 Sob imb Xabel mit^ ja fein! 
 9?iemanb beic^tet gem in ^5rofa; 
 )od) oertraun tx>ir oft fub $Rofa 
 3n ber 2)2ufen ftittem gain. 
 
 ^ irrte, tt)a$ ic^ ftrebte, 
 ^ Utt unb aia id) (ebte, 
 @inb ^ier ^Btumen nur im 
 10 Unb ba^ fitter tt)ie bte 
 
 Unb ber gefyler n?ie bte Xngenb 
 ftmvmt fic^ gut in Siebern cms. 
 
 89. 
 
 Xage ber SKonne, 
 ^ommt it)r fo batb? 
 (Sd)enlt mir bie (Sonne 
 nnb 
 
(Sebtcfyte. 105 
 
 $eid)lid)er fltefcen 5 
 
 <Smb eg bie Stefen, 
 3ft eg bag 
 
 gitnmel unb 
 otbene gifc^e 
 SBttnmeln im 
 
 efteber 
 im am ; 
 tmmlifd)e gteber 
 (Scfjallen barein. 
 
 Unter beg rinten 
 
 bte ^Bicnen 
 (gutntnenb am @aft. 
 
 getfe 
 
 in ber 8uft, 
 
 @d)(afernber 
 
 rit^rct 25 
 
 fid) ein auc ^^ 
 er tjerlieret 
 leid) fi^ im 
 
 er gurUd. 30 
 
 elfet, i^ 
 Xragcn bag 
 
106 (Soetfyes (Scbtd?te. 
 
 aget, feit geftern 
 2Bie ntir gefdjal) ? 
 
 35 SieWicfye @d)tt)eftern, 
 
 Siebrfjen ift ba ! 
 
 9O. 
 
 )a broben auf jenem 33erge, 
 )a fte^ id) taiifenbtnal 
 2(n meinem (Stabe gebogen 
 Unb fdjaite fytttab in ba^ 
 
 )ann folg' id) ber treibenben erbe, 
 9^etn imbd)en bewa()ret mil* fie. 
 3d) bin ^ernnter gefommen 
 llnb weig bod) felber nid)t nrie. 
 
 !Da ttel)et Don fdjonen 
 10 'Die gan^e 2Biefe fo t)oO. 
 
 -3^ bredje fie, ofyne ^n t^iffen, 
 id) fie geben foil 
 
 Unb $Regen, @tnrm nnb emitter 
 ^er^aff id) nnter bent 33anm. 
 15 5)ie Xfyure bort bleibet terfd)(offen ; 
 
 )od) alle ift (eiber ein rcmm. 
 
 fte^et ein ^Hegenbogen 
 itber jenem 
 
 20 
 
 $Bof)( itber jenem cm$! 
 @ie aber ift iweggejogen 
 Unb tueit in ba$ I'anb ^inau^ 
 
(5ebtd?te. 107 
 
 inan$ in ba$ anb unb 
 $iel(eid)t gar itber bie 
 23oriiber, iijr @d)afe, Doritber ! 
 )em cfya'fer ift gar |"o 
 
 91. 
 
 ergretft, id) iDetft ntd)t tDte, 
 tmtnltfd;e^ ^Be^agen, 
 2BUI mtd)^ etnja gar ^inauf 
 3u ben 'Sternen tragen? 
 !l)od) id) bteibe tieber ^ier, 
 $ann id) reblid) fagen, 
 
 @efang nnb (afe 
 ben ifd) ju fd)(agen. 
 
 end), if)r greitnbe, nid)t, 
 id) mid) gebarbe ; 10 
 
 ift ed oUcritcbft 
 5lnf ber Ueben (5rbe : 
 X)arnm fdjwor' i 
 Unb o^n' atte 
 5)a^ id) mid) nid)t fret>entlic^ 15 
 
 Segbegeben werbe. 
 
 )a mir aber aKjnmal 
 @o beifammen toeilen 
 tc^, Kange ber 
 
108 (Soetfjes <Sebtd?te. 
 
 nte grennbe jiefyen fort, 
 2Bof)l em tynnbert 3ftetten, 
 )arnm foil man fyier am Drt 
 Sfapftojjett eilen. 
 
 25 ebe Ijodj, met eben fcfyafft ! 
 
 )a3 ift metne ^e^re. 
 Itnfer ^ontg benn Doran, 
 3^m gebitfjrt bte (g^ve. 
 egen inn* unb ftuern getnb 
 30 (Scfet er fid) pr SBc^rc ; 
 
 (Straiten bcnft er 
 r nod), inte er mc^re. 
 
 begritg' tc^ fie 
 @ie, bte etn^ig (Sine. 
 35 3eber benfe ritterltd) 
 
 @tc^ babei bie (Seine. 
 9Her!et and) ein fd)b'ne$ tinb, 
 
 ic^ eben meine, 
 , fo nicfe fie mir p : 
 4 o 8eb' and) fo ber SJicmc ! 
 
 grennben gilt ba britte 
 3iueien ober breten, 
 mit nnS am gnten 
 im ftilten frenen 
 45 Unb ber ^ebel tritbe 
 
 Cei^ nnb (eidjt jerftrenen; 
 !Diefen fei ein o^ gebrac^t, 
 Bitten ober neuen. 
 
<5octf?es (5cbtd?te. 109 
 
 33reiter toattet nun ber (&trom 
 
 UJftt fcermefyrten Selfen. 5 
 
 eben jel^t im fyofyen 
 
 SReblidje efe(ten! 
 
 )te fid) nttt gebrdngter 
 
 ^3rat jufcumnen fteflen 
 
 Qn beg litcte^ onnenfdjein 55 
 
 Unb in fc^timmen gallen. 
 
 3Bte n)ir nun jufantmen finb, 
 gufammen Diele. 
 getingen benn r tt)ie ung, 
 
 ifyre @pte(e! 60 
 
 ber Quetfe 
 tnandje 
 
 Unb ba^ So^l ber gan^en SBclt 
 iuorauf id) giete. 
 
 92. 
 
 unb ^unft, fie fdjeinen fid) jn fliefyen 
 Unb t)aben fid), e^ man e benft, gefunben ; 
 )er SKibenritte ift and) mir Derfdjtounben, 
 Unb beibe fc^einen gteic^ mid) cmp^iefyen. 
 
 (S gilt itol)l nur ein reblid)e 
 
 Unb ftienn iDir erft in abgeme^nen @tunben 
 
 @eift unb g(ei^ un$ an bie ^unft gebunben, 
 frei 9^atur im er 3 en ^teber gtii^en. 
 
110 (Soetfyes (5ebtd?te. 
 
 <So iff 8 mil alter 33Ubung and) befdjaffen 
 10 $ergeben$ fterben ungebunbne eifter 
 
 ber 23ottenbung reiner $i)Ije ftreben. 
 
 rofteS null, mug fid) jufammenraffen ; 
 3n ber 33efd)rimfimg getgt fid) erft ber Sftetfter, 
 llnb ba6 efe^ nur lann un gret^ett geben* 
 
 93. 
 
 fingen itnb fagen bom rafen fo gern, 
 )er I)ter in bem @d)Ioffe gefyaufet, 
 !Da, tt)o i^r ben (Snfel be fetigen ,perrn, 
 T)en Ijeute t>ermdl)(ten, befc^maufet. 
 ^iun fyatte fid) jener im ^eitigen $rieg 
 3u (S^ren geftrttten burd) mannigen @ieg, 
 llnb a( er 511 aufe Dom 9^dffelein ftieg, 
 )a fanb er fetn d)loffeletn oben, 
 
 Wiener unb gabe gerftobcn. 
 
 10 !Da bift bit nun, rdf(ein, ba bift bu ju 
 
 'X)a eimifc^e finbeft bu fdjlimmer! 
 ,3um ^^tifter ba gtefyen bte SBinbe 
 (Sie lommen burd) afle bie ftimmw. 
 2Ba$ tDd're p t^un in ber l)erbft(id)en 
 
 15 @o Ijab' ic^ bod) mandje nod) fd)(immer t>ol(brac^t, 
 
 X)er S^orgen ^at aUe$ it)ol)t beffer gemadjt. 
 SDrum rafd) bet ber monbltd^en cllc 
 t, in bo^ @tro(), m 
 
(Soetljes <5cbid?te. Ill 
 
 llnb al$ er im ttrittigen @d)lummer fo lag, 
 33ettegt e$ fid) unter bent 33ette. 20 
 
 )ie SHatte, bie rafale, fo lange fie mag ! 
 -$a, inenn fie em $rofelein fyatte ! 
 )od) fiefye! ba ftetjet em nrin^iger 2Bid)t, 
 
 ntit 5lntpe(en=Sirf)t, 
 unb @precf)ei>@etoid)t 25 
 gu be^ ermitbeten rafen, 
 , fd)(aft er nicfyt, mb'c^f er boc^ fdjlafen. 
 
 ^aben nn gefte ^ier oben erlaubt, 
 @ettbem bu bie 3^ miner tiertaffen, 
 llnb tDeit inir bid) toeit in ber gerne geglaubt, 30 
 @o batten totr eben ju praffen. 
 llnb tnenn bn tiergonneft unb tDenn bir nid)t grant, 
 @o fd/manfen bie ^tnerge be^aglid) nnb lant 
 3u (gf)ren ber reic^en, ber nieblic^en 33raut 
 T)er @raf im ^Be^agen be$ Xranme^ : 35 
 
 ^Bebienet end) immer be^ 
 
 lommen brei ^Heiter, fie reiten fjer&or, 
 unter bent ^Bette gefyalten ; 
 fotget ein fingenbeS, Itingenbe^ G^or 
 
 Keiner eftaften ; 40 
 
 llnb 3Sagen anf 2Bagen mit adent erat, 
 einem fo oren a(^ <>el)en tierge^t, 
 nur in ben @d)lb'ffem ber ^onige fte^t ; 
 t auf tiergolbetem $3agen 
 ^3raut unb bie a'fte getragen. 45 
 
 @o rennet nun a(fe$ in 
 llnb titrt fief) im @aa(e fein "Pa'^djen ; 
 3um re()en unb ^Baljen unb lufttgen 
 ^rfiefet fid) jeber ein 
 
112 (Soettjes (Sebtcfyte. 
 
 50 )a pfeift e$ unb geigt e unb Ilinget unb flirrt, 
 
 )a ringelf$ unb fdjleift e$ ttnb raufdjet unb unrrt, 
 )a pifperfs unb hufterfS unb flitfteif 8 unb fd)tt>irrt; 
 
 rcifletn, e b(t(fet t)initber r 
 bi'mlt i(n a(^ la' er hn 
 
 55 }?un bappelt^ unb rappelt^ unb ffappert'8 tm 
 
 3Son ^Banfen unb @titt)len unb 
 !Da toil! nun etn jeber am feftltcfyen 
 id) neben bent tebd)en erfrifdjen; 
 ie tragen bie SBitrfte, bte @d)inlen fo Hein 
 60 Unb ^3raten unb gtfc^ unb epgel ^eretn; 
 
 &$ lret[et beftanbig ber loftli^e 
 tofet unb fofet fo (ange, 
 
 mit @efange. 
 
 llnb follen tutr fingen, tt)a^ wetter gefd)el)n r 
 65 @o fd)U)eige ba$ Xoben unb Xofen. 
 
 Denn fta$ er fo artig tm tletnen gefe^n, 
 
 (5rful)r er, genog er tm gro^en. 
 
 Xrompeten unb flingenber, ftngenber 
 
 Unb Sagen unb better unb brautlic^er 
 70 @te fommen unb jetgen unb netgen fid) all', 
 
 Unjaljlige, felige i'eute. 
 
 (So ging e^ unb getyt e^ nod) 
 
 94. Dct nattenfan^er. 
 
 ) bin ber tool)lbe!annte anger, 
 ctelgereifte SHattenfanger, 
 
(Soetfyes <8ebid?te. 113 
 
 )en biefe altberitfymte 
 
 ettrij} befonberS notig fyat 
 
 Unb toaren'3 fatten nod) fo mete, 5 
 
 llnb uwren SKiefet ntit itn piele; 
 
 3Son alien faubr' tiJ) btefen Drt, 
 
 @tc miiffen mtteinanber fort. 
 
 1)ann ift ber gutgelattnte ganger 
 3iRttunter cmcf) ein ^ttnberf anger, 10 
 
 fetbft bte inttbeften bejtDtngt, 
 
 er bie golbnen 9Jlard)en fingt. 
 Unb inaren ^naben nod) fo trufetcj, 
 Unb tDa'ren 9)iabd)en nod) fo ftn^ig, 
 3n meine fatten gretf id) ein, 15 
 
 @ie mitffen a((e tjtnterbrein. 
 
 ift ber oielgeiuanbte ganger 
 e(egenttid) ein Sftabcfyenfa'nger ; 
 Qn feinem tabtc^en (angt er an, 
 3Bo er T ^ nid)t manner anget^an. 20 
 
 Unb tua'ren 2)^abd)en noc^ fo blobe, 
 Unb ttjaren Seiber nod) fo fprobe, 
 T)od) alien tnirb fo tiebebang 
 nnb efang. 
 
 2(nfang.) 
 
 95. 
 
 !Da broben anf jenem ^3erge, 
 ^a fteljt ein oltc 
 SKo ^tnter X^oren nnb 
 @onft (auerten fitter nnb 
 
114 (Soetfyes <Sebid?te. 
 
 5 $erbrannt finb Xljiiren nnb Xfyore, 
 
 Unb liberal! ift c fo fttft ; 
 )a$ alte tterfalme ema'uer 
 )urrf)flettr' id), tme id) nnr mil 
 
 gierneben lag em belter, 
 10 (So Dott t)on lofttic^em 28em; 
 
 fteiget nic^t me^r mtt 
 ^ettnerin Better fjineht. 
 
 @ic fe^t ben a'ften tm 
 
 9^ic^t mc^r bie 33edjer utn^er, 
 
 15 @ie fitKt jum ^etltgen 9J^at)(e 
 
 nict)t 
 
 retdjt bem (itfternen 
 
 mefyr auf bem ange ben ranf 
 Unb nimntt fiir flitc^tige abe 
 ben pcfytigen !Danf. 
 
 a((e fatten nnb )erfen, 
 @tc finb fdjon lange uerbrannt 
 Unb Xrepp' nnb @ang nnb 
 
 unb Xritmmer tieriDanbt, 
 
 25 Qotf) a(3 mtt 3itfJ er nnb 
 
 biefen fetftgen 6^n 
 an bem fyeiterften Xage 
 fteigen gefe()n ; 
 
 X)a bra'ngte fid) 
 30 ert)or an^ Derobeter 
 
 ^a ging'3 tt)ie in alten Xagen 
 feierlid) tnieber jn ; 
 
(Soetfjes (Sebtcfyte. 115 
 
 Site waren fiir ftattltdje cifte 
 )ie toeiteften $Raume bereft, 
 
 lam' em ^ardjen gegangen 35 
 
 jener titcfytigen tit ; 
 
 ftimb' in feiner tapefle 
 tDiirbtgc ''Pfaffe fcfjon ba 
 Unb fragte : SBoftt i^r einanber ? 
 tr aber (ac^elten : ^a ! 
 
 Unb tief beiuegten efa'nge 
 
 eqen$ innigften runb, 
 jeugte, ftatt ber 
 co fdjallenber 
 
 Unb ate fic^ gegen ben 5(benb 45 
 
 ftillen alle^ t)ertor, 
 bltcfte bte glii^enbe @onne 
 frfjroffen <$tpfel empor. 
 
 Unb Unapp nnb 3Mmerin gtan^en 
 
 5lte erren irett unb brett ; 50 
 
 @ie ntmmt fid^ p 
 
 Unb er pm 3)an!e fid) 
 
 96. Vanitas! vanitatuin vanitas! 
 
 3c^ fyab' mein @ad) auf nic^te gefteflt 
 
 T)rum tff fo toofyl mir in ber 
 
116 (Soetfjes <5ebtd?te. 
 
 5 Unb toer nrifl mein $amerabe fern, 
 
 )er ftoj^e mit an, ber ftimme mit ein 
 23ei biefer Sfteige SBein. 
 
 3d) fteflf mem <Sad) auf elb unb ut. 
 
 3ud)t)e! 
 10 !Doruber ter(or icf) greub' unb 
 
 )ie ^itnje roltte I)ter nnb bort, 
 Unb Ijafc^f id) fie an einem Drt, 
 5(m anbern roar fie fort. 
 
 15 5lnf SBeiber ftellt' id) nnn mein 
 
 Srtfttl 
 
 mir !am mel Ungemad). 
 
 )ie ga(fd)e fnc^t' fid) ein anber 
 20 X)ie Xreue mad)t ; mir 
 
 ie ^Befte mar nicljt fell. 
 
 fteHt' mein @ad) anf 9^etf nnb 
 
 Unb lieg meine 3$ater(anbeart. 
 25 O n)el)l 
 
 Unb mir befyagf e nirgenb red)t r 
 
 !Dtc oft mar fremb, ba^ 53ctt war fd)(ed)t, 
 
 9^iemanb nerftanb mid) red)t. 
 
 3d) fteHt' mein @ad) anf SHnfym nnb 
 30 3u^c! 
 
 Unb fie 1 ^ ! g(eid) l)atf ein anbrer me()r. 
 
(Soetfyes <Sebid?te. 117 
 
 ie id) mid) fyatt 7 fjertwrgetfyan, 
 )a fatyen Me eute fd)eel mid) an, 
 mtte feinem $Ked)t getfyan. 35 
 
 -3d) fefct' mein @ad) auf $ampf nnb 
 
 3itc^l)e! 
 Unb un3 getang fo manner 
 
 SBir ( ^ogen in geinbe^ Sanb l)tnein, 40 
 
 em grcunbc foltt'3 nic^t tiiel beffer fein, 
 Unb id) ter(or ein 
 
 ab' icf) mein (Sad^ anf nid)t^ gefteUt. 
 
 3n^e! 
 Unb mein gefybrt bie gan^e SBelt. 45 
 
 gel)t nnn @ang nnb 
 trinlt mir alle s JJeigen a 
 
 97. 
 
 @o ii)ar e fdjon in meinen Xagen, 
 ^in jeber fd)(agt gar ^od) fic^ an, 
 Unb untrbeft bu fie atte fragen; 
 ^Bic^tigfte ^at er get^an. 
 
 (aftet fc^wer bie fdjtoere 8aft, 
 felber bn jn tragen ^aft, 
 Unb ob ein anbrer ad)jt nnb feidjt, 
 gitr bid) ift feine 33itrbe teic^t. 
 
118 <5oetfjes(Sebid?te. 
 
 98. mdcljtige 
 
 n @trom entraufdjt umftblftem gelfenfaale, 
 )em Dgean fid) etttg gu fcerbinben; 
 2Ba$ and) fid) fpiegetn mag Don runb gu ritnben, 
 ($r toanbelt unaufl)a(tfam fort gu l)ale. 
 
 5 !Damonifc^ aber ftiirjt mit ememmale - 
 
 3^ fotgten 23erg itnb Salb in Sir6eht)tnben - 
 
 id) Drea^, ^3e^agen bort 311 finben, 
 
 Unb ^emmt ben auf, begren^t bie tneite @d)a(e. 
 
 )te SKefle fpritl)t unb ftaunt guritd unb 
 
 Unb fc^miflt bergan, fid) immer felbft 311 trtnlen; 
 
 e^emmt ift nnn gnm 3Sater ^in ba^ @treben. 
 
 fd)tt)anft unb rutjt, gum (See guri'trfgebeidjet ; 
 eftirnc, fpiegetnb fid), befdjaun ba^ ^BUnlen 
 am gel^, ein neue eben. 
 
 99. Die Cie^enbe abermaU. 
 
 2Barum id) tuieber gum papier mid) wenbe? 
 :T)a^ mu^t bu, iebfter, fo beftimmt ntc^t fragen 
 )enn eigenttic^ ^ab' ic^ btr nidjt$ gu fagen ; 
 !Dod) fommt'3 gute^t in beine (ieben anbe. 
 
 5 3Bei( id) nid)t tommen faun, foil, roaS tc^ fenbe, 
 9J?ein ungeteitte^ gerg tjinitbertragen 
 Wit Sonnen, goffnungen, (Sntgitcfen, 
 at nid)t Slnfang, ^at nic^t 
 
(Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 119 
 
 mag bom Ijenfgen ag bir ntd)t$ bertranen, 
 [id) im @innen, Stmfdjen, Safynen, Gotten 10 
 Sftetn treneS erj gu bir fyinitber ibenbet: 
 
 @o ftanb id) einft t)or bir, bid) an^ufdjauen, 
 llnb fagtc ntc^te. $Sa ^tttf id) fagen [often? 
 ganged Sefen war in fid) bottenbet. 
 
 1OO. 3n 
 
 ^et ?el^nja^ri$en erttja von 
 
 Sena, ben is. 2TCai 1809. 
 
 bie 33Iitten t)eutc bringen 
 ben aitfgefdjloftnen 3^eigen r 
 bie 33oge( l)eute fingen 
 bnrd)fid)tigen eftrandjen, 
 @o begteitet reif nnb (ebe 
 llnb fo frewtbttrf) nintni nnb gebe. 
 
 1O1. Ergo bibanius ! 
 
 ter finb intr berfammeU p (oblid^em 
 X)rnm, ^3ritberd)en ! Ergo bibamus. 
 
 (ftfcr, fie tlingen, efpra^c, fie rnl)n r 
 33el)eqtget Ergo bibamus. 
 
 ^eigt nod) ein alteS, ein tiicfjttge^ Sort 
 @^ paffet gnm (grften nnb paffet fo fort, 
 llnb fdjallet ein (g(^o bom feftlidjen Drt, 
 Sin ^errlid)e^ Ergo bibamus. 
 
120 (Seethes (Sebicfyte. 
 
 3*d) fyatte mem frennblicfyeS Stebdjen gefefyn, 
 10 )a bad)f id) mir : Ergo bibamus. 
 
 llnb nafyte mid) frennblid), ba (teg fie mid) ftefm ; 
 
 3d) fyaff mtr unb badjte : Bibamus. 
 llnb tuenn fie t>erfd()net end) ()er^et unb 
 Unb tuenn t^r bag erjen nnb Stiffen 
 15 <So bteibet nnr, bi ifyr tra 
 
 troftlidjen Ergo bibamus. 
 
 rnft metn @efd)i(f bon ben greunben 
 
 rebltd^en! Ergo bibamus. 
 2ldj fc^etbe rjon Ijtnnen mtt (etdjtem @e^ci(f ; 
 
 3Dmm boppelte^ Ergo bibamus. 
 llnb tt>a$ and) ber Sttj rjon bem Seibe fid) fcfymorgt, 
 @o bletbt fitr ben ettern boc^ immer geforgt, 
 2Bett immer bem gro^en ber grbfylidje borgt; 
 T)rnm, ^Britberdjen! Ergo bibamus. 
 
 25 28a$ folfen un'r fagen gnm Antigen 
 
 $d) bacfyte nnr: Ergo bibamus. 
 (5r ift nnn einma( t>on befonberem 
 
 )rum immer aufs neue : Bibamus. 
 (5r fiifyret bie grenbe bnrc^g offene 
 30 (3 glimjen bte Solfen, e tei(t fic^ ber 
 
 T)a fdjeint nn^ em -53t(bc^en, ein gott(idje$, uor ; 
 Sir lltngen nnb fingen: .Bibamus. 
 
(5octf?cs (5ebtd?te. 121 
 
 1O2. 
 
 )er <Strauf}, ben id) gepfftitfet, 
 riifle bid) tiiel taufenbmal! 
 $tf) fjabe mid) oft gebMet, 
 Id), tt>ol)t em taufenbmal, 
 llnb ifyn an$ crg gebritcfet 
 f)unberttanfenbma(! 
 
 1O3. 
 
 ^Bei^en nnb torn, 
 gecfen unb )orn, 
 ^a'umen nnb 
 So gefjt ' ^iebd)en? 
 mir 
 
 ganb mein otbd)en 
 ba^eim; 
 
 fetn, 
 
 riint nnb bliifyet 
 @(^6n ber 
 Siebc^en ^i 
 gro^ unb fret. 
 
 bem gelfen 
 fie reid)te ben $u, 15 
 
 erften im 
 
 3ft fie 
 
122 (Soetljes<5ebtd?te. 
 
 1O4. Die Cufti^cn t>cn IPeimar. 
 
 ^onner^tag nad) 23efoebere, 
 grettag a,ef)f$ nacf) 3^0 fort: 
 )enn ba$ tft, bet meiner (Sfyre, 
 )od) em allerltebfter Ort! 
 <Sam3tag iff , tuorauf tt)tr gteten, 
 <Sonntag rutf^t man anf ba^ 8anb; 
 
 ade luoljtbefannt. 
 
 SOJontag retget nn^ bte 
 !l)ientag fd)(etc^t bann auc ^erbet, 
 )ocf) er bringt ju fttUer (Siifyne 
 n ^Rapnfdjdjen fran! nnb fret. 
 fe^lt e^ nid)t an 
 giebt cm gnte^ 
 15 !Donner0tag Icnft bie SScrfil^rung 
 
 juritcf. 
 
 Unb c fc^Ungt ununterbrodjen 
 3mmcr fid) ber grcubenfrcid 
 )urdj bte gct unb fnnf^tg SBodjcn, 
 Senn man^ red)t p fit^ren 
 nnb an$, efpra'd), 
 
 erfrifd)en nnfer 23(nt; 
 
 ben Sienern itjren prater; 
 SBctmar, Sena, ba iff 8 gut! 
 
 1O5. Her otentan?. 
 
 $)er Xurmer, ber fc^ant jn mitten ber 
 inab anf bte rabcr in Sage; 
 
 ber ^at attcd in efle gebracfjt ; 
 
 f, er liegt tt>te am 
 
(Soet^es (5ebid?te. 123 
 
 regt fid) em rab unb ein anbereS bann : 5 
 
 tommen fyer&or, ein 2Betb ba, ein !D?ann, 
 toeiften unb fd)teppenben gemben. 
 
 redt nun, e$ mill fid) ergo^en fogleid), 
 )ie $nb'djel gur ^nnbe, gum $ran$e, 
 <go arm unb fo jung unb fo att unb fo reicl) ; 10 
 T)odj fjtnbern bie @^Ieppen am Xan^e. 
 Unb toeU ^ter bie @rf)am nun nid)t lueiter gebeut, 
 @ie fcfyittteln fid) a((e, ba (iegen jerftreut 
 
 embeletn iiber ben itg,eht. 
 
 l)ebt fid) ber d)enfe(, nun \vadtlt bae ^Bein, 15 
 eba'rben ba giebt e^ r fcertracfte ; 
 
 Ktppert^ unb flapperfs mttunter ^inein, 
 fd)litg' man bie o^(ein gum Xafte. 
 lommt nun bem ^iirmer fo la'djerltd) tor; 
 raunt ifym ber @d)a(f, ber 
 ! fyofe bir einen ber Salen. 
 
 etfyan mie gebad)t! unb cr pcfytet fic^ fd)nell 
 
 I) inter gefyeiltcjte X^iiren. 
 
 9}7onb unb nod) immer er fc^einet fo fyett 
 
 Xdng, ben fie fd)auber(id) fitf)ren. 25 
 
 enblic^ fcerlteret fid) biefer unb ber r 
 <Sd)leid)t ein^ nad) bem anbern geffeibet ein^er, 
 llnb ^ufc^ ift e$ unter bem 
 
 einer, ber trippelt unb fto^ert 
 Unb tappet unb grapft an ben riiften; 30 
 
 fyat fein efette fo fdjiner ifyn 
 iuittert ba^ ud) in ben ^itften. 
 
124 (Booties (5ebtd?te. 
 
 (5r ritttett bie Xurmtfjttr, fie fd)lagt U)n gurittf, 
 
 ^e^tert unb gefegnet, bem Xiirmer ^um (M, 
 
 35 <Sie blintt Don metalfenen 
 
 emb mug er fyaben, ba raftct er nid)t, 
 )a gilt auc^ lein lange^ ^3efinnen, 
 en gotifcfjen Qkvat ergrctft nun ber 2Bid)t 
 Unb Kettert Don 3^ nne a u Si nnen - 
 40 ^un iff um ben armen, ben Xurnter getfyan! 
 @ rucft fief) Don cf)nortel ^u d)nbr!e( 
 Sangbeintgen @ptnnen terg(eic^bar. 
 
 Xitrmer erbletc^et, ber Xiirmer erbebt, 
 ern gcib' er ifyn tnieber, ben Salen. 
 45 )a l)a!ett jey fyat er am la'ngften gelebt 
 )en 3iPf e ^ e ^ etferner 3 a ^ en - 
 
 n triibet ber SQionb fid) fcerfcfjnrinbenben 
 tocfe, fie bonnert ein mddjtige^ 
 Unb unten gerfcfyelft ba 
 
 1O6. 
 
 3^ i)dbe get iebet, nun lieb' ic^ erft redjt ! 
 (5rft tt)ar id) ber )iener, nun bin id) ber 
 (Srft tt)ar id) ber Wiener Don alien; 
 91un feffelt mic^ biefe djarmante ^erfon, 
 @ie t^ut mir auc^ aUe jur Siebe, jum 
 lann nur attein mir gefaUen. 
 
 3d) ^abe geglaubet, nun glaub' id) erft red)t ! 
 Unb gefjt e^ auc^ n)unberlic^, ge^t e$ auc^ fd)led)t r 
 
(Seethes <5ebtd?te. 125 
 
 3d) bleibe beim glanbigen Drben : 
 
 (So bitfter e$ oft itnb fo bnntel e$ roar 10 
 
 3n brangenben ^oten, in nafyer efal)r, 
 
 Sluf einmat iffs lifter gettorben. 
 
 3d) fyabe gefpeifet, nun fpeif id) erft gut ! 
 
 ^3ei fyeiterem tune, mtt frol)ltdjem ^B(ut 
 
 3ft altes an Xafel t)ergeffen. 15 
 
 )te 3^9 e ^b t>erfd)(ingt nnr, bann faufet fie fort; 
 
 (tebe 311 tafeln am (uftigen Drt, 
 
 loff nnb tc^ fdjmecfe beim (gffen. 
 
 l)abe getnmfen, nnn trinf ic^ erft gern! 
 
 3Bein, er erl)ol)t un$, er mad)t un^ jnm errn 20 
 llnb Idfet bie fflatiifdjen 3 u ^9 en 
 3a, fc^oneJ: nur nidjt ba erquicfenbe ^a^ : 
 )enn fc^tt)inbet ber attefte SKetn aits bent gag, 
 <So altern bagegen bie jungen. 
 
 3d) ^abe getanjt unb bem Xange gelobt, 25 
 
 Unb it)irb aud^ !ein @d)(eifer, lein SBaljer getobt, 
 
 @o brel)n anr ein fittige^ Xan3d)en. 
 
 Unb toer fid) ber ^Btnmen red)t t)ie(e tierflidjt, 
 
 Unb !^d(t and) bie ein' nnb bie anbere nidjt, 
 
 bleibet ein mnntere^ ^ra'n^djen. 30 
 
 frif^ nnr anfs nene! ^Bebenfe bic^ nic^t: 
 )enn tuer ftc^ bie 9^ofen, bie blitfyenben, bric^t, 
 
 (n fitrniafyr nnr bie !Dornen. 
 fyente \mt geftern, e^ pimmert ber @tern ; 
 l)a(te t>on pngenben ^b'pfen bid) fern 35 
 
 Unb lebe Mr immer fcon tiornen. 
 
126 (Booties (5ebid?tc. 
 
 1O7. Die wanfcelnbe 
 
 tt>ar em $inb, ba$ tooflte nte 
 $trd)e fid) beqnemen, 
 llnb ^onntagS fcmb e ftets em 2Bte, 
 )en 2Beg in gelb 311 nefymen. 
 
 Gutter fpract) : )te (o(fe tont, 
 Unb fo ift btr' befol)(en, 
 Unb ^aft bit bid; ntdjt ^ingeiDo^nt, 
 te lommt unb iDtrb bid) Ijolen. 
 
 ^inb, e benft : bie tocfe fjangt 
 10 )a broben auf bem @tu^(e. 
 
 <Sd)on I)at'^ ben Seg in^ gelb getenft, 
 51U (tef e^ ait$ ber 
 
 tont ntd)t 
 U)tc Gutter Ijat cjefacfelt. 
 15 5)oc^ r toe(d) ein @d)recfe 
 
 )ie (octe fommt getDacfett. 
 
 ie toacfelt fdjneU, man glaubt e faum ; 
 
 arme ^tnb im djireden, 
 (anft, e fommt, als n)te im Xranm ; 
 lotfe luirb e$ becfen. 
 
 nimmt e^ rtdjttg feinen 
 Unb mit getoanbter (Sc^nelte 
 (5t(t e bitrd) Singer, gelb nnb 
 
 $ird)e, jur 
 
(Beetles (Sebtcfyte. 127 
 
 Unb jeben <Sonn- unb getertag 25 
 
 ebenlt e$ an ben @d)aben, 
 gftjjt burd) ben crftcn locfenfd)lag, 
 in $erfon fid) laben. 
 
 1O8. (Befunfcen. 
 
 ) gtng m 
 @o fur mic^ l)in r 
 Unb nidjts jit fndjen, 
 war inein 
 
 fatten fa^ id) 
 in ^3(iund)en fte^n, 
 ie terne (endjtenb, 
 ie Sngtein fdjon. 
 
 bredjen, 
 
 $)a fagf e^ fein : 10 
 
 @oll id) gum ^Bellen 
 ebrocfyen fein? 
 
 Qfy grub ; mit alien 
 )en SBur^ein au, 
 
 arten trug ic^^ 15 
 
 pbfcfyen 
 
 Unb pflan^t' e^ toieber 
 
 1m ftitlen Ort ; 
 
 9^un gtneigt e immer 
 
 Unb blufyt fo fort. 20 
 
128 (Soctfyes <5ebid?te. 
 
 1O9. (Bleidj unfc 
 
 (Sin 33lnmena,lb'(d)en 
 23otn 23oben fyeruor 
 Sar fritl) gefproffet 
 3n liebltdjem glor; 
 )a lam em 33iend)en 
 Unb nafdjte fetn : - 
 1)ie mitffen tt>of)I beibe 
 gitr emanber fetn. 
 
 no. 
 
 erflmgt, ma fritl) erffang, 
 litcf iinb Ungliicf iDtrb efang. 
 
 111. tflaffer. 
 
 Sir reiten in bie ren$ nnb 
 9?ad) ftreuben nnb efdjaften ; 
 )odj immer flafft e^ Ijinter^er 
 Unb billt ans alien ^raften. 
 @o will ber <Spi^ an^ nnfernt 
 Un immerfort begleiten, 
 Unb feine ^3ellen lanter <S 
 4Beweift nnr, ba^ luir reiten. 
 
 112. <5<?tt, (Bemiit 
 
 1. 
 
 Unfer S3ater ein fdjon 
 bient nnb Ijilft in alien 
 
(Soetfjes <Sebtd?te. 129 
 
 Senn einer and) 23ater unfer fleljt, 
 $n otte$ 9?amen, taft tfyn beten. 
 
 2. 
 
 Qfy ttanbte auf tt)etter r bunter gtitr 5 
 
 Urj|)rimgltd)er 9^atur, 
 n Bolter ^3orn r in tDeld)em id) babe, 
 3ft Ubertteferung, ift nabe. 
 
 3. 
 
 SKann? unb So? )te otter bleiben ftutnm! 
 bid) on6 Sei( unb frage ntd)t : SKarutn? 10 
 
 4. 
 
 SBtflft bu tn Unenblic^e fc^retten, 
 nnr im (gnbtic^en nad) alien 
 
 5. 
 
 SBtdft bn bid) am an^en erquitfen, 
 (So mngt bu ba^ an^e im $leinften erbliden, 
 
 113. Sp 
 
 1. 
 
 neuen Sd^e (ltd unb 
 2Be^ unb Sunben gute @a(be! 
 groben $(0^ ein grober ^eiU 
 einen @d)e(men anbert^albe ! 
 
 2. 
 
 (Sin $ran^ ift gar t)ie( (eidjter binben, 
 511^ i^m ein umrbtg aupt p finben. 
 
130 (Seethes <Sebid?te. 
 
 3. 
 
 SBiflft bu bir aber ba$ 33efte tijun, 
 <So bleib' nid)t auf btr felber rufyn, 
 onbern folg' eine3 9fteifter$ (Sinn ; 
 10 2)ftt ifym 311 irren ift btr enrinn. 
 
 4. 
 
 nur ba$ 9^ed)te in betnen ac^en ; 
 anbre iutrb fid) tton felber maci)en. 
 
 5. 
 
 gab' e$ feine grorc ^ein, 
 2Bar' id) im ^arabie^ allein. 
 
 6. 
 
 15 Xaufenb gtiegen ^att' id) atn Slbenb erfc^lagen, 
 
 njetfte mid) eine beim frit^ften agen. 
 
 7. 
 
 unb gar 
 id) ein anner 3Kid)t. 
 
 Xraume finb nid)t li)al)r, 
 llnb meine ebanfen geraten nidjt. 
 
 8. 
 
 in ber SBett (at ftc^ ertragen, 
 nid)t eine 9^eil)e t)on fd)iJnen agen. 
 
 9. 
 
 9^eib unb 9Jttggnnft fid) tierge^ren, 
 ute luerben fie nidjt ti)e()ren. 
 25 )enn, ott fei ^Danl! e^ ift ein alter 23rand): 
 
 bie (Sonne fc^eint, fo toeit ernjarmt fie aitd). 
 
(Soetfyes (5ebid?te. 131 
 
 10. 
 
 gaft bit ehvmal ba3 $Red)te getfjan 
 Unb fiefyt ein geinb nur @d)eele$ baran, 
 @o unrb er ge(egentlid), fpa't ober fritlj, 
 $)a$felbe tfytm, ev lt)ei6 ntc^t inte. 30 
 
 1-1, 
 
 So 2fnmaJ3ung mtr toofjf gefadt ? 
 5(n ^inbevn : benen gefyort bie Sett. 
 
 12. 
 
 3ttvt ebtdjt, tnie ^egenbogen, 
 Sirb nur auf bunlten runb gejogen ; 
 SDarum be^agt bent Dt^tergente 35 
 
 (Element bcr 9J?e(anc^oUe. 
 
 13. 
 
 bem ^nbtifnnt btent, ift etn armeS Xter ; 
 qucttt fid) ab, nientanb bebanft fid) bafitr. 
 
 14. 
 
 gtebt, tr>er gteid) giebt, 
 unbertfad) r ber gletd) gtebt, 40 
 
 man untnfdjt itnb Oebt. 
 
 15. 
 , (Sgoift 1 Senn ify& ntd)t beffer mufete ! 
 
 9?eib, ba^ ift ber (^goifte; 
 Unb iDct$ ic^ and) fitr Sege getoffen, 
 5lufnt 91etbpfab l)abt ifjr mic^ nie betroffen. 45 
 
 16. 
 
 ^irfc^en unb -53eeren befyagen, 
 bu ^inber unb <Sperfinge fragen. 
 
132 (Soetfyes <Sebtd?te. 
 
 IT. 
 
 (gntjtoei' unb gebiete ! itdjtig 28ort. 
 herein' unb leite ! 
 
 18. 
 
 50 9?idjt grb'gent 33ortet( tottgf id) ju nennen, 
 
 21(3 be3 geinbeS 5Berbienft erlennen. 
 
 19. 
 
 eute get) ic^. ^omm' id) ttrieber, 
 (Stngen tutr gan^ anbre Steber. 
 SSo fo t)ie( fid) fjoffen la^t, 
 55 3ft ber K^f^ieb }a ein gcft. 
 
 20. 
 
 magft bu getDiffe @d)riften nid)t tefen?" 
 ift auci) fonft tneine @|)eife geiuefen ; 
 ft aber bie ftfaupe, fid) emsufjrinnen, 
 s ^id)t lann fie metyr ^3(iittern efd)ma(f abgewinnen. 
 
 114. (Epigrammatifci?. 
 
 \. Dcmut. 
 
 tc^ bie Serle ber ^etfter an r 
 fel/ id) ba^, ta fie getljcm ; 
 f id) meine @iebenfad)en, 
 @e^ ic^ r tua^ id) ^dtf foKen mad)en. 
 
 2. Keins non alien. 
 
 3Benn bu bid) fetber mad)ft jum 
 23ebcwert bid) niemaub, ge()fe bir fdjfedjt ; 
 
(Soetfyes <5ebid?te. 133 
 
 bu bid) aber fefbft pnt errn, 
 )ie Petite fef)n e3 aud) nidjt gent; 
 Unb bleibft bu enblid), nrie bu bift, 
 @o fagen fie, baft nid)t$ an bit ift. 10 
 
 3. Bcbtngung. 
 
 3tyr logt nirf)t uac^, il)r bleibt babet, 
 53egel)ret 9^at, id) faun if)u geben ; 
 , bamit id) ruf)icj fei, 
 jt mir, i()tn nid)t 
 
 4. Brett urn lang. 
 
 SBer befd)eiben ift, muj} bulben, 15 
 
 Unb n>er fred) ift, ber muj$ leiben ; 
 llfo ttrirft bu gleid) terfd)ulben, 
 Ob bu fred) feift, ob befdjeiben. 
 
 5. ebensregel. 
 
 SStttft bu bir ein Ijitbfdj Seben gintmevn, 
 
 bid) unt^ ^Bergangne nid)t beliunntern ; 20 
 Senigfte ntu bid) uerbrie^en; 
 ftet^ bie egentoart genie^en, 
 
 leinen 9Jienfd)en fyaffen 
 Unb bie ,3u!unft ott itberlaffen. 
 
 6. ^rtfd?es t, gutes (t. 
 
 t^ tergleid)Md) gern 25 
 
 v 2lufter, tnetne tieben errn, 
 
 inenn i^r fie nidjt frifd) genoftt, 
 5Bat)rl)aftig ift eine fc^ted^te toft. 
 23egeiftrung ift leine ering^U)are, 
 
 man einpof'elt auf einige Qcfyve. 30 
 
134 (Soetfyes <Sebtd?te. 
 
 7. Das 2IIter. 
 
 )a3 fitter ift em Ijoffief) aJtonn : 
 (ginmal itbers anbre llopft er an, 
 2lber nun facjt nietnanb : erein ! 
 llnb oor ber I)itre unit er ntrf)t fetn. 
 35 )a IHnft er anf, trttt em fo f^nett, 
 
 llnb nnn fyeiftfs, er fet ein grober efell 
 
 8. EGALITE. 
 
 ro^te nritt man ntrfjt erreirfjen, 
 benetbet nnr feine^teic^en ; 
 fdjltmmfte 97eib()art ift in ber SBclt, 
 ^Der jeben fitr fetneSgleidjen 
 
 115. 
 
 Derftirgt mir bie 
 Xfja'tigteit! 
 
 mad)t fie nnertraglic^ lang? 
 
 bringt in (Scfmlben? 
 arren nnb bulben! 
 macfyt getcinnen? 
 
 (ange befinnen ! 
 bringt gn (Sfyren? 
 
 116. 
 
 unb Seft nnb @iib gcrfptittcrn, 
 X^rone berften, $Reid)e Bittern, 
 
(Soetbes (5ebtd?te. 135 
 
 glitcf)te bit, tm reinen Often 
 ^atriardjenlitft p foften, 
 Unter Sieben, Xrtnlen, ingen 5 
 
 bid) (StyiferS Qnett fcerjimgen. 
 
 3)ort tm Retnen unb tm 9?ed)ten 
 3BiU id) menfd)Uc^en efcf)led)ten 
 3n be Urfpritncj^ Xiefe bringen, 
 So fie nod) t)on ott empfingen 
 immel^le^r' in (Srbefpradjen 
 Unb fic^ nid)t ben $opf jerbrac^en. 
 
 So fic^ 3Sdter fjocf) cere^rten, 
 
 3eben fremben ^ienft uertoefyrten ; 
 
 Silt mid) freun ber ^UQ^bfd^ranle : 15 
 
 -@(anbe tt>eit, eng ber ebanle, 
 
 Sie ba3 Sort fo ti)id)tig bort mar, 
 
 Seit e ein gefpro^en Sort war. 
 
 Sid mid) unter irten mifd)en, 
 
 5ln Dafen mic^ erfrifdjen, 20 
 
 Senn mit ^aratuanen toanbte, 
 
 (g^att)!, ^affee nnb ajiofc^u^ fyanbfe : 
 
 3eben ^fab tDitt id) betreten 
 
 33on ber Sitfte $n ben tcibten. 
 
 anf nnb nteber 25 
 
 ^roften, a f^ beine Sieber, 
 Senn ber gitfyrer mit (Sntjittfen 
 
 , bie (Sterne jn erttietfen 
 Unb bie Sftanber jn erfc^retfen. 3 
 
136 (Soetfyes (5ebtd?te. 
 
 in 33abern nnb in djenten, 
 geifger afi$, bein gebenfen, 
 2Benn ben <Sd)leier Siebdjen litftet, 
 @d)itttelnb 5ImbraIo(fen bitftet. 
 35 3a, beS !Dtd)ter^ SiebefUiftern 
 
 felbft bte uri^ liiftem. 
 
 Sofltet it)r t^m Meg beneiben, 
 Dber etma gar tjevletben ; 
 SBiffet nur, bag T)id)tern)orte 
 40 Vim be$ ^arabiefe^ ^Pforte 
 
 3mmer leifc flo^fenb fdjmeben, 
 erbittenb ett'geS Seben. 
 
 117. 
 
 ntc^t Dor bent Xage ffiefyen ; 
 T)enn ber Xag, ben bu eretteft, 
 3ft ntd)t beffer at^ ber ^enf ge ; 
 5Iber n)enn bit fro^ uertDeUeft, 
 2Bo id) ntir bie Selt befeifge, 
 llm bte Selt an mid) $n ^ie^en, 
 ^3ift bn g(etd) mit mir geborgen : 
 ent ift Ijente, morgen morgen, 
 Unb tt>a folgt nnb ti)a uergangen, 
 $Hetgt nic^t ^in nnb btetbt nic^t ^angen. 
 53(eibe bn, mein 2Hferliebfte$ ; 
 !iDenn bn bringft e$ nnb bn giebft e$. 
 
(Soetfjes (Sebic^te. 137 
 
 118. 
 
 3ff 3 moglid), bag id), iebd)en, bid) fofe, 
 23erneljme ber gottlidjen @ttmme 
 llnmog(id) fcfyeint intnter bie Sftofe, 
 Unbegretflid) bte 
 
 119. 
 
 ift (teblid) an 
 
 aber frfjon bie SBcIt ber Dieter; 
 btmten, ^eflen obcr fitbergraucn 
 eftlben, ag unb 5^ad)t, ergtanjen Std)ter. 
 geut ift tnir atle^ ()errltd) ; menu's nur bttebe ! 
 
 ber tebe. 
 
 120. 
 
 , ^iebdjen, lomm ! umtrtnbe tnir bte 
 beiner anb nnr ift ber Xnlbenb fc^on. 
 bod) r anf 3ran ^od)ftem @tfee, 
 nid)t jterlid)er nmtDtnben fe^n! 
 
 (5tn Xnlbenb mar ba$ SBanb, ba^ 5lle^anbern 
 3n @d)letfen fd)on bom aupte fiel 
 Unb alien golgefyerrfdjern, jenen anbern, 
 2(1$ ^ontg^^ierbe mo^I geftel. 
 
 (gin nlbenb ift^, ber nnfem ^aifer fdjntitrfet, 
 @ie nennen^ tone. 9^ante gefyt mo^l ^in! 
 3uel nnb $er(e ! fei ba^ 5lng' ent^Met ! 
 fdjonfte &tf)mnd ift ftets ber 3JhtjfcIuu 
 
138 (Soetfjes (Sebicfyte. 
 
 Unb biefen fyier, ganj rein unb filberftreifig, 
 Umtombe, iebd)en, urn bie @tirn wnljer. 
 15 2Ba3 ift benn of)ett? 3Ktr tft fie gelanfig! 
 )n fcfyanft mid) an, id) bin fo groft al$ er 
 
 121. 
 
 (Sin ^aifer ^atte gwei $affiere, 
 
 ^um 9le^men r einen gnnt penben ; 
 
 fiel'S nnr fo an ben anben, 
 .$ener it)ngte nic^t, inol)er jn nefymen. 
 5 !Der ^penbenbe ftarb ; ber errf^er mngte nic^t 
 Sent ba^ eberamt fei anjnttertranen, 
 llnb it)ie man lanm tfya't' nnt fid) fd)auen r 
 @o nwr ber 97el)mer nnenblic^ reid) ; 
 SO^an tDU^te faitm Dor ($o(b ^u (eben, 
 10 Seit man einen Xag nid)t augegeben. 
 )a n?arb nun erft bem $atfer liar, 
 Sag fc^ulb an allem Unveil mar. 
 
 f a ^ wuftt' er ir>o^( j 
 ie luieber bie @teUe jn befe^en* 
 
 122. 
 
 ift fdjtoer ^u Derbergen? T)a gener! 
 )enn bei Xage Dcrrfifd ber SHand), 
 ^3ei 9^ad)t bie glamme, ba$ Unge^ener. 
 gcrncr ift fd)tt>er gn Derbergen and) 
 Siebe; nod) fo ftifle ge^egt, 
 bod) gar leid)t an^ ben 2(ngen fd)Iagt. 
 
'(Soetfjes <5ebtd?te. 139 
 
 2lnt fdjtterften 311 bergen ift etn ebtd)t; 
 
 2ftan fteftt e$ untern @cfjeffel nicfyt. 
 
 at e ber )id)ter frtfdj gefnngen, 
 
 o ift er gan^ bat)on burdjbrnngen ; 10 
 
 at er e$ gierlid), nett gefdjrteben, 
 
 mil er r bte gan^e SBcft foil's Kcbcn. 
 
 @r Heft e^ jebem fro 1 ^ unb (aut r 
 
 Ob e8 unS qudlt, ob e^ erbaut 
 
 123. 
 
 Unb boc^ ^aben fie red)t, bte ic^ fdjette: 
 T)enn bag em Sort ntd)t etnfad) gelte, 
 mit^te fid) tt>ol)l non fe(bft tierfte^n. 
 SKort ift ein ga'djer! 3nnfd) en ben @taben 
 
 ein ^aar fd)one 5(ngen I)ert)or. 5 
 
 )er gad)er ift nur ein tieblidjer glor, 
 (gr tierbecft mtr gtDar ba^ efid)t, 
 
 er nid)t, 
 fie bcfifet, 
 , tnr in 
 
 124. 
 
 tt)irb ton ber SBett Derlangen, 
 fie felbft uermigt nnb trdumct, 
 9ftt<fttwrt8 ober fettmarts bltctenb 
 @tet ben 2^ag be^ 2:ag tjerfd'nmet? 
 3fyr ^3emit^n, i^r gnter Side 
 inft nnr nac^ bent rafc^en ^eben, 
 Unb was bn uor ^afyren bran^teft, 
 fie bir fyente geben. 
 
140 (Soetfjes (5cbtd?te. 
 
 125. 
 
 )ie ^perfe, Me ber 9ftufcf)el entrann, 
 )ie fdjonfte, Jjodjgeboreti, 
 3nm .gutoelier, bem guten 907ann, 
 (Sprad) fie: $d) bin fcerforen! 
 5 )urd)bol)rft bu mid), mein fdjcine^ W, 
 
 <g$ ift fog(eid) gcrritttet, 
 aKtt <gdjtt>eftertt mug id), gad fitr gall, 
 3u fd)(ed)ten fctn gefitttet. 
 
 ,,3 ! d) benle jcfet nur an em inn, 
 10 <Du mut e^ mir Dergetf)cn : 
 
 )enn luenn id) ()ier nid)t cjrcmfam bin, 
 foil bie @d)nur fid) vetljen?" 
 
 126. Qatem. 
 
 e(et3ent)eit mad)t 
 @ie ift felbft ber grogte !Dieb; 
 )enn fie fta^I ben ^Reft ber Siebe, 
 mir nocf) im vgeqen blieb. 
 
 fyat fie t()n iibergeben, 
 eben$ 33oIIgeii)inn, 
 id) nnn, Derartnt, mein I'eben 
 t)on bir e^arti bin. 
 
 id) fitfyle fd)on Srbarmen 
 10 3m tarfunfct beine^ Blicfd 
 
 Unb erfren' in beinen Airmen 
 ernenerten 
 
(Soetfjcs (5cbid?tc. 141 
 
 127. 
 
 2ln t)ot(en 2 
 eliebte, fief) nur fytn! 
 af$ btr bie gritdjte geigett, 
 itmfdjafet ftadjlig grim. 
 
 @ie fyangen Icingft gebattet, 
 @ttl(, imbefatmt mtt ftc^, 
 @m 5lft, bcr fdjcmtelttb \uattet, 
 3S5tegt fie gebulbtgttd). 
 
 tmmer reift ton innett 
 Unb fd)ti)t((t ber braune Stern, 
 @r mo(i)te V^uft geiumnen 
 Unb |a^ bte ^Sonne gern. 
 
 )te @d)a(e ptat^t, nnb nteber 
 
 9JZa(^t er fid) freubtg Io3; 
 
 @o fallen meine Steber 15 
 
 ef)tinft in beinen @d)o. 
 
 128. 
 
 man mir @ut^ eqetgr, itberaK 
 ift eine g(afd)e Pilfer, 
 
 unb Oftain, int 5)?ecfartt)a(, 
 bringt mir ltid)etnb Pilfer. 
 llnb nennt gar mandjen bratien 
 
 feltner afe ben lifer : 
 er ber 9Jienfc^^ett ino^l getfyan, 
 3ft immer no(^ !ein lifer. 
 
142 (Seethes (5ebid?te. 
 
 )ie gnten gitrften nennt man fo, 
 10 33einafye tone ben (Stlfer; 
 
 Un$ madden iljre Xljaten frol), 
 
 (gte teben fyorf) int Grtlfer. 
 Unb mandjen s Jtomen nenn' id) lei$, 
 
 @titt fc^oppetnb metnen Pilfer: 
 15 @te iDeig e$, tcenn e^ nientanb meig 
 
 3)a frfjmetft mir erft ber Pilfer. 
 5Son metnen tebern fpred)en fie 
 gaft ritl)inlid) iwe uom (Silfer, 
 Unb ^3(nm' nnb 3^ e ^9 e ^ret^cn fie 
 20 2ftid) Iranjenb nnb ben (Silfer. 
 
 lle^ iDdr' etn grb^ve^ ett, - 
 teilte gern ben Grtlfer - 
 afi and) nnr feinen Xeit 
 llnb fdjlnrfte mit ben (Silfer. 
 25 35rum eilMd) in ba^ ^arabie r 
 
 3Bo letter nte tiom (Stlfer 
 Iciub'gen trinfen. @ei er fitg, 
 ^ein (Silfer. 
 eile ^in! 
 30 )a ftetjt ein Corner (Stlfer. 
 
 129. 
 
 garftige 
 but)(erifd)e, 
 SBelt l^eijt man fie, 
 Ofttd) I)at fie betrogen, 
 2Bie bte itbrigen alle. 
 
(Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 143 
 
 faube nafym fie mir tt>ecj, 
 )ann bte offnung 
 
 too lite fie 
 bie gtebe, 
 rig id) au$* 10 
 
 geretteten @c^a^ 
 
 ett)tg 311 fidjern, 
 Xeitt' idj it)n ineMid) 
 ,3tt)if(^en iiletfa unb aft. 
 3ebeg ber beiben 15 
 
 33eeifert fid) um bte SBette, 
 o^ere ^infen gu entrid)ten. 
 Unb id) bin reiser a(^ je : 
 2)en lauben ^ab' id) uneber ! 
 3(n i()re Siebe ben @(auben; 20 
 
 "(Sr, int ^Bed)er, gewaljrt nttr 
 efitf)( ber 
 
 tnill ba bie offnttng! 
 
 13O. 
 
 )e$ SWaurcr Sanbeln, 
 @ cjtetc^t bem Seben, 
 Unb fein ^Beftreben, 
 (g$ gteic^t bem anbeln 
 S^enfdjen anf (Srben. 
 
 nnb 
 bem 
 
 nngefdjredet 
 )ringen wit bortnart^ 10 
 
144 (Soetfyes <5ebid?te. 
 
 Unb f djtoer unb fdjmerer 
 wngt eine itfte 
 (Sf)rfurd)t. tilte 
 oben bte (Sterne 
 15 llnb iwtett bte rciber. 
 
 ^3etrad)f fie genauer, 
 llnb fie^e, fo melben 
 33u[en ber elben 
 ttcmbelttbe 
 20 llnb ernfte efufyle. 
 
 rufen Don britben 
 )te ttmmen ber etfter, 
 (Stimmen ber SJieifter 
 
 ntd)t p uben 
 25 trdfte be 
 
 ier flecf)ten fief) kronen 
 
 3n etDtger tide, 
 follen mtt gitlle 
 Xf)dttgen lotjnen! 
 
 Sir ^ei^en eud) fyoffen. 
 
 131. Den 6, 3uni 1(81(6. 
 
 t?erfud)ft r o @onne, tergeben$, 
 
 bie bitftern So(!en $u fd)einen! 
 gan^e eminn meme 
 3ft, i^ren 33er(nft gn bemeinen. 
 
(Soetfyes (Sebicfyte. 145 
 
 132. Hn Uleyanfcer von 
 
 SBetmar, ben 12. ^uni 1816. 
 
 5ln rauertagen 
 
 elangte 311 mir bein fjerrlid) geft! 
 
 ($3 fdjien ju fagen: 
 
 (grmanne bid) gu frofjlidjem efcfyaft! 
 
 Bett in atten f 3 one 
 
 ettrigen, betDegltdjen 
 
 ttwfeteft bu ja fonft git 
 (5rt)ettre fo burd) mic^ bein fdjtoer bcbrangt entiit ! 
 
 133. 
 
 erein, o bn uter! bn ^Iter, l)erein! 
 gier nnten im (Saate ba finb unr adetn, 
 ^5ir iDotien bie ^Pforte berfc^tie^en. 
 tc Gutter, fie betet, ber S3atcr im gain 
 3ft gangen, bie Sblfe ^u fdjieften. 
 D, fing un ein Sftardjen, o, fing e^ un$ oft, 
 !Da ic^ nnb ber 33rnber e^ (erne; 
 Sir fyaben fd)on la'ngft einen danger gefyofft - 
 ^inber, fie fyb'ren e^ gerne. 
 
 nad)tltd)en <Sd)rerfen, im feinblidjen ran 10 
 er ba t)ol)e, ba^ fyerrlicfye gan^, 
 a^e, bie fyat er tiergraben. 
 !l)er raf nun fo eilig gum 'Pfortdjen fytnauS, 
 mag er im 2lrme benn ^aben? 
 birget er unter bent Mantel gefd)tt)inb? 15 
 
 tragt er fo rafd) in bie gerne? 
 (Sin od)ter(em ift e, ba fdjtaft nun ba3 ^inb - 
 !l)ie $inber, fie ^oren e geme, 
 
146 (Soetfjes <Sebtd?te. 
 
 Ijeflt fid) bcr 3ftorgen, bic SBelt ift fo eii, 
 20 $n Xfyalern unb 2Ba(bern bie 2Bofmung bereit, 
 -3n )b'rfern erquicft man ben Danger. 
 <So fdjreitet unb fjeifdjt er unbenHidje 3eit, 
 )er 33art toadjft ifym (anger nnb (anger ; 
 X)oc^ tr>ad)ft in bent 5lrnte ba^ lieblic^e 
 25 2Bte nnter bem glncftic^ften @terne, 
 
 in bem 90^ante( tov ^Kegen nnb 
 ^inber, fie ^oren e^ gerne. 
 
 Unb immer finb lueiter bie $afyt geriicft, 
 ^Der Mantel entfarbt fid), bcr Mantel gcrftttdt, 
 
 30 (5r fdnnte fie (anger nidjt faffen. 
 
 ^)er 35ater r er fdjant fie, tt)ie ift er begftirf 1 1 
 ^r !ann fid) fiir greube nid)t (affen; 
 @o fdjon unb fo ebe( erfcfyeint fie gugteic^, 
 ^ntfproffen au^ titdjtigem ^erne, 
 
 35 3Bte mad)t fie ben 5>ater, ben teuren, fo reid)! 
 ^inber, fie fybren e^ gerne. 
 
 !Da rettet ein fitrft(ic^er D^itter ^eran, 
 
 @ie recfet bie anb auS, ber abe ^u na^n, 
 
 5l(mofen tt)i(( er nidjt geben. 
 40 (5r faffet ba^ anbd)en fo frafttg(id) an : 
 
 !Die \rnii id), fo ruft er, auf^ eben! 
 
 (Srfennft bu, ermibert ber TOe, ben 
 
 @rcbft bu jur giirftin fie gerne; 
 
 <Sie fet bir t)er(obet auf grimenbem 
 45 !Die ^inber, fie (jb'ren e^ gerne. 
 
 fegnet ben ^riefter am l^eiligen Drt, 
 8uft unb mit IMuft nun ^ie()et fie fort, 
 
(Seethes <Sebtd?te. 147 
 
 @te mocfyte fcom SBater nid)t fdjeiben. 
 
 )er 2Hte, er ftanbelt nnn fyier unb batb bort, 
 
 ($r traget in grenben fein eiben. 5 
 
 (So I)ab ; id) mir 3^'e bic od)ter gebadjt, 
 
 ^)ie (Snlelein tno^l in ber gerne ; 
 
 @ie fegn ; id) bei Xage r fie fegn ; id) bei 9^ac^t - 
 
 )ie Winter, fie l)oren e$ gernc. 
 
 (5r fegnet bie Winter ; ba poltert^ am Xt)or, 55 
 
 2)er ^Bater, ba ift er ! @ie f^ringen fyerfcor, 
 @ie fonnen ben 5llten nidjt bergen - 
 3Ba^ locfft bn bie flmber! bn pettier! bn Xtjor! 
 (Srgreift i()n, i^r eifernen @d)ergen ! 
 ^um tiefften 23erlie$ ben 33ent)egenen fort! 60 
 
 )ie Gutter uernhnmt^ in ber gerne, 
 @ie eile't, fie bittet tnit fc^meid)etnbem 3Bort - 
 $inber, fie l)dren e^ gerne. 
 
 3)ie @(^ergen, fie (affen ben Sitrbigen fte^n, 
 
 llnb 3}hitter unb $inber, fie bitten fo fd)dn ; 6 5 
 
 X)er fitrftiid)e @tol^e uerbei^et 
 
 S)tc grimmige 3But, i{)n entritftet ba^ gte^n, 
 
 ^3i^ enb(id) fein @d)tt)eigen ^erreijet : 
 
 !Du niebrige 33rut! bn t>om ^3ettlergefd)(ec^t 1 
 
 ^Berfinfternng furftKc^er Sterne I 70 
 
 -Styr bringt mir 35erberben ! cf d)ie^t mir bod) redjt 
 
 )ie tinber, fie l)dren ; ^ nid)t gerne. 
 
 fte^et ber Kte mit 
 eifernen (Sdjergett, fie treten 
 inad)ft nnr ba6 3:oben nnb kitten. 75 
 
148 (Beetles (Sefctcfyte. 
 
 @d)on Icmge berfludjf id) mem efyftdjeS IM, 
 finb nun bie gritdjte ber 33(itten! 
 (eugnete ftets, imb man (eugnet mit Sftecfyt, 
 je fief) ber 2lbe( erlerne, 
 80 )ie 33ettlerin ^eugte mir 23ett(ergefd)(ed)t - 
 , fie fyoren'3 nid)t gerne. 
 
 llnb tt>enn enc^ ber @atte, ber $ater 
 ^)te ()ei(tgften -^anbe berwegentltd) (6ft, 
 o fommt jn bem 33ater r bem 5l^nen ! 
 85 T)er Pettier tiermag, fo ergraut nnb entblojt, 
 I)err(id)e 28ege jn bal)nen. 
 ^3nrg, bie ift meine 1 )u fyaft fie geranbt, 
 trieb bein efd)(ed)t in bie gerne ; 
 bin ic^ mit foftlidjen @iegeln beg(anbt ! 
 90 ne inber r fie l)6ren e3 gerne. 
 
 $Red)tma'6iger ^onig, er fefyret 
 !Den Xreuen t)er(ei^t er entmenbeteS 
 3c^ (6fe bie Sieget ber c^a^e. 
 @o rnfet ber TOe mit freunblid^em 
 95 (Suc^ !imb' id) bie mitben efe^e. 
 
 (Sr^o(e bid), @of)n 1 (5 entmicfett fi^ gut, 
 eut einen fid) felige (Sterne, 
 )ie gitrftin, fie jeugte bir fitrftUd)e^ 
 Stinbev, fie ^oren e^ gerne. 
 
 134. Urn 
 
 llm 9JJitternad)t ging id), nid)t eben gerne, 
 $(ein, flcmcr ^nabe, jenen ^ird)^of l)in 
 
(Soetfyes (Sebicfyte. 149 
 
 3u 23ater3 gwnS, be$ ^farrerS ; (Stern am <Sterne, 
 @ie leucfyteten bod) atfe gar 311 fcfyon ; 
 Urn 3ttttternaef)t. 
 
 2Benn id) bann ferner in be$ eben$ 2Beite 
 ,3nr Stebften mu^te, mu^te, tt>et( fie ^og, 
 ^eftirn unb 9^orbfd)ein itber mir im (Streite, 
 geljenb, lommenb eligleiten fog ; 
 Urn 3Jfitternadjt. 
 
 bann autey be^ DoKcn s JJ?onbe^ ette 
 flar unb beiitltd) mir in gtnftere brang, 
 ber eban?e totflig, finnig, fd)nel(e r 
 (Sid) nm$ SSergangne luie nm^ ^imftige fdjtang ; 
 
 Urn 3)litternad)t. 15 
 
 135. Un ^raulein t>on Sctjiller. 
 
 en 10. 2luguft 1819. 
 
 fo t)ie( gu fagen tt>ar, 
 id) nid)t^ gn fagen, 
 Db bie Blotter gteic^ ein 3<af)r 
 Dorm 5luge lagen. 
 
 , ba bu fie entfiifyrt, 
 bie geber inalten ; 
 
 bletbt, ftrie fid) ; gebii^rt, 
 ^mmerfort beim 2Uten. 
 
 um SSerftanbIid)e.n 
 SKirb bie Gutter ma^nen, 10 
 
 X)entenb pm llnenblic^en 
 
150 (5oetfjes <Sebtd?te. 
 
 136. 
 
 eute ftel)' id) tneine 2Bad)e 
 
 tj} ntd)t grabe, tt)ie id) ; 3 macfye, 
 $ommft mtr fo t>erbdcf)ttg t>or I 
 
 Ob bu unfent 
 
 5lud) recf)t etgentlirf) 
 
 Ob bein ^dmpfen, bein ^erbienett 
 
 !Did) an^ ^arabie^ gefanbt? 
 
 3af)lft bit bic^ 311 jenen elben? 
 10 3 e ^9 e ^ e ^ e S3unben an, 
 
 )te mir 9?ii()m(tc^eg Dermelben, 
 Unb ic^ fit^rc bid) (jeran. 
 
 Z> i cf) t c r. 
 
 <ftid)t fo Dieted gebertefen! 
 2a mid) immer nur Ijeretn : 
 15 )enn tc^ bin etn 9}?enfd) gett)efen, 
 
 Unb bag fyeifjt em ^cimpfer fein. 
 
 <Sd)(ivfe betne fraffgen 
 gier burd)fd)aue biefe 
 @tef) ber ^ebengiuunben itcfe, 
 ber Siebegtuunben Shift! 
 
 Unb bod) fang ic^ g(aub'gertr>eife : 
 mir bie eliebte treu, 
 bie 2Bett r tuie fie and) freife, 
 nnb banfbar fet. 
 
(Soetfyes (Sebicfyte. 151 
 
 ben refflid)ften gufammcn 25 
 
 id), bt$ id) mir erlangt, 
 mem 9?am' in SiebeSflammen 
 23on ben fcfyonften $eqen 
 
 bn ttmfylft ntdjt ben enngern 1 
 @teb bte anb r baft ag fitr Xa$ 30 
 
 -3d) an betnen Batten gtngern 
 (un'g!etten ja'^Ien ntag. 
 
 137. Cuft nnb OJual. 
 
 Jlnabe fa^ ic^, gifcfyerfnabe, 
 
 5lnf bent fd)ti)arsen get^ im 
 
 llnb bereitenb falfc^e abe, 
 
 (Sang tc^, laufdjenb ring nmfyev. 
 
 5lnge( fd)tr>ebte (odenb nteber ; 
 
 tetc^ ein gifcfjiein ftreift nnb fcfynappt, 
 
 Unb ba$ gtfd)(ein war ertappt. 
 
 5ld) ! am Ufer r bnrd) bte glnren, 
 
 ^n^ eftitfte ttef ^um a ^ n / I0 
 
 gotgf id) etnev o^(e @pnren, 
 
 llnb bie irtin war adein. 
 
 ftnfen, SKorte ftocfen ! - 
 
 ein Xafdjenmeffer fd)nappt r 
 
 e pc mid) in bie Soden, 15 
 
 llnb ba3 ^Biibdjen war ertappt. 
 
 @ott r mtt wetdjem irten 
 anf^ nene fid) ergefyt 1 
 
152 (5oetf?es (5ebtd?te. 
 
 id) in ba$ 2Jteer mid) gitrten, 
 20 $Me e$ fanfet, line e$ toefyt. 
 
 28enn mid) oft im 9te}3e jammert 
 eirimme( groj} unb flein, 
 
 mod)t ? id) nod) nmHammert 
 tion ifyren 3lrmen fein! 
 
 138. 
 
 SKenn id) anf bem S^arlte 
 )nrd)3 ebriinge 
 Unb ba l)itbfd)e 3ftabd)en fe^ 
 $n ber 9J/engc ; 
 @e()' id) ()ier, fie fommt Ijeran, 
 Slber britben ; 
 
 9]temanb fie^t un^ beiben an, 
 tuir (ieben. 
 
 ,5l(ter, l)b'rft bu nod) nic^t auf ! 
 
 Qn bem jungen Seben^Iauf 
 ein atl)d)en. 
 jcfet ben Xag Derfiijjt? 
 ; mit f larljcit." 
 
 15 e^t nur l)tn, lute fie mid) 
 
 (5* ift bie 
 
 fltngft tooriiber? SKie! id) faJ) bic^ nid)t ; 
 famft juriirf, bid) fyab' id) ntd)t gefel)en - 
 
(Soetfyes (Sebicfytc. 153 
 
 23erlorner, unglitcffefger 2(ugenbiic!! 
 
 id) benn blinb? Sie foil ntir bas gefcfjefyen? 
 
 )od) triJff id) mid), unb bit teqeif)ft ntir gern, 
 (Sntfdjulbigung luirft bu mil greube finben ; 
 3d) fe^e bid), btft bu aud) nod) fo fern ! 
 Unb in ber 9?alje fannft bn mir 
 
 140. 
 
 Unb iuenn ber s DJenfd) in fetner Dual Derftummt, 
 ab mtr etn ott ju fagen, loa tc^ leibe. 
 
 foil id) nnn Dom 3Bteberfe()en Ijoffen, 
 biefe^ Xage nod) gefd)(o^ner ^Bli'tte? 
 ^arabie r bie olle fte^t bir offen; 
 toanfelfinnig regt fid) 7 ^ im emittc ! - 
 3^ e tf e ^ ttie^r! ie trttt an^ 
 i()ren Airmen Ijebt fie bid) empor. 
 
 luarft bu benn im ^arabie^ empfangen, 
 toarft bu inert be^ ewtg fd)b'nen Seben^ ; 
 btieb tein 2Bunfd), fein offen, lein 23erlangen, 
 
 ar ba^ 3^ e ^ ^ e $ inntgften ^3eftreben, 
 Unb in bent Slnfcfjaun biefe^ ein^ig Sc^onen 
 SSerfiegte gleid) ber -Quell fefynfitdjtiger 
 
 regte nid)t ber Xag bie rafrfjen 
 <>d)ien bie TOnuten t>or fic^ l)er ju treiben! 
 !Der 5lbenblu^, ein treu tierbinblic^ iegel: 15 
 
 @o n)irb e and) ber nad)ften @onne bleiben. 
 !Die (Stunben glicfyen fid) in ^artem SSanbern 
 
 c^tneftern stnar, bod) feine gan^ ben anbem. 
 
154 (Soetfyes <Sebid?te. 
 
 )er $tt, bet* (etste, graufam fitjj, gerfdjneibenb 
 20 (gin fyerrltdjeS epecfjt berfdjlungner TOnnen. 
 
 9?un eilt, nun ftocft ber gufj, bie (Sdjttelfe meibenb, 
 21(3 trieb' em (()erub flammenb ifyn t)on fyinuen; 
 )a3 2luge ftarrt auf bitftrem ^fab berbroffen, 
 @* Midt surittf, bte ^Pforte ftel)t 
 
 25 Unb nun derfdjloffett in fid) fetbft, al3 I)dtte 
 erj fic^ nie geoffnet, felige @tunben 
 jebent tern beS g)imme( urn bte Sette 
 2ln t^rer ette lendjtenb nidjt empfnnben ; 
 Unb 3J?i^mut, $Heue, 35onD 
 30 ^Belaften^ nun in fdjtmtter 
 
 3ft benn bie 2Be(t nidjt itbrig ? ge(fenit>tinbe r 
 @inb fie nid)t mefyr gelrdnt ton ^eiligen @d)atten? 
 )ie (5rnte, reift fie ntd)t ? (Sin grim elanbe, 
 3ie^t fid/3 ntd)t I)tn am gtug burd) ufd) unb fatten? 
 35 Unb tootbt fid) nic^t ba3 itbertteltlid) ro^e, 
 eftartenreidje, balb eftaltentofe ? 
 
 2Bte Ieid)t unb gierlid), Har unb ^art geiwoben, 
 
 letc^, au3 ernfter Sol!e 
 , am b(auen 3It()er broben 
 
 40 (5in fc^tanf @ebi(b au3 Iicf)tem )uft em^or ; 
 @o fa^ft bu fie in frofyem Xange toalten, 
 Iteblidjfte ber Itebltdjften eftaften. 
 
 nur SJJomente barfft bid) unteminben, 
 ^in ?uftgebt(b ftatt i()rer feft3u()a(ten ; 
 45 3n3 er^ gururf, bort tDtrft bu'3 beffer finben, 
 regt fie fic^ in ited)felnben efta(ten; 
 
(5oetf?es(5ebtd?te. 155 
 
 bielen bitbet eine fidj l)initber, 
 tanfenbfad) tmb immer, tmmer lieber. 
 
 ^nnt (Sntpfang fie an ben ^Pforten tuettte 
 Unb mid) Don banncmf ftufentt)ei$ begtiicfte; 50 
 
 <SeIbft nad) bent le^ten ^n mid) nod) ereifte, 
 
 (e^teften mir cmf bte Stppen britcfte: 
 liar beiDegltd) bleibt ba ^Btlb ber Steben, 
 
 glammenfd)rtft in^ trene erg gefc^rteben. 
 
 <*$ feft iDte gtnnen^o^e s JJJauer 55 
 
 i^r betnaljrt nnb fie in fid) beftialjret, 
 fie fid) freut an feiner eignen Daner r 
 tuet^ tion fid), toenn fie fid) offenbaret, 
 freier fit^tt in fo geliebten @d)ran!en 
 llnb nnr nod) fdjla'gt, fitr a(Ie i^r jn banf'en. 60 
 
 ga'^igleit ^n lieben, ttor ^3ebitrfen 
 egenltebe tt)egge(ofd)t, t>erfd)tt)nnben ; 
 3ft offnung^tuft jn freubigen Sntinurfen, 
 (Sntfc^Utffen, rafd)er Xfyat fog(etd) gefunben! 
 3Kenn Siebe je ben ^iebenben begeiftet, 6 5 
 
 SBarb e^ an mir anf^ (iebUd)fte geteiftet; 
 
 Unb jtnar bnrd) fie ! Sie lag ein innreS ^3angen 
 @etft nnb orper, nnuiidfommner (gdjniere : 
 8d)anerbilbern ring ber ^3Ucf nmfangen 
 -3m tuitften D^anm beKommner geqen^leere ; 70 
 
 9^nn bdmmert offnung Don betannter @d)tt>efle, 
 @te felbft erfd)eint in milber @onnenf)etle. 
 
 grieben otte, \t>eld)er end) ^ienieben 
 at 3Sernnnft befeliget tmr 
 
156 . (Soetfyes (Sebtcfyte. 
 
 75 33ergletcy id) tt>of)l ber Siebe fyettent grieben 
 $n @egentt>art be$ attgeliebten SefenS; 
 Da rnf)t ba erg, nnb nid)t$ tiermag gn ftoren 
 tiefften inn, ben @inn, ifyr gu ge^oren. 
 
 3n imferS -53ufen ^Retne tuogt em treben, 
 80 id) einem otjern, Sftemem, itnbet'annten 
 3lu Dan!barfeit freiwtUig fjhigugeben, 
 (Sntrdtfelnb fic ben etuig Ungenannten; 
 
 Ijetgen^ : fromm fetn! @o(d)er fettgen 
 !' id) ntic^ tetl^aft, iDenn id) &or i()r ftetje. 
 
 85 33or i^rem ^Blitf, iuie t>or ber <Sonne 
 
 3Sor t^rem 5ltem, one t>or grii^ling^Iitften, 
 ^erfdjtni^t, fo langft fic^ eifig ftarr geljalten, 
 )er eelbftfinn tief in tt)inter(idjen ritften; 
 ein (Sigennu^ fein Sigemnilte bauert, 
 
 90 3Sor i^rem ^'ommen finb fie toeggefdjauert 
 
 (S ift, a($ tt)enn fie fogte : ,,@tunb' um 
 2Ctrb un^ bas s ^eben freunb(td) bargeboten, 
 eftrige (iej un^ geringe ^unbe r 
 9}?orgenbe, 311 njiffcn iff fcerboten ; 
 95 Unb tuenn id) je mid) toor bent Slbenb fd)eute, 
 onne fan! nnb fal) noc^, tt)a mid) freute. 
 
 t^n tnie ic^ unb fd)ane, fro^ tierftiinbig, 
 Dem Slugenblirf in^ 5tnge! l^ein 3Serfd)ieben ! 
 33egegn' i^m fc^neK, n)ol)ln)ol(enb tt)ie (ebenbig, 
 ioo Qm anbeln fei ? 6 jnr S^^ube, fei ; ^ bent Sieben; 
 s Jhir tt)o bit bift, fei al(e$, immer linblid), 
 @o bift bn afteS, bift nnubeminblic^." 
 
(Seethes (5cbtd?tc. 157 
 
 fyaft gut reben, bad)t' id), 3 urn @e(ette 
 bir cm @ott bte nnft be$ 2lngenbli<to, 
 llnb jeber fiil)(t an beiner fyolben <Seite 105 
 
 @tdj 5(ngenbitcl3 ben imftling be$ efdjideS; 
 fcfyrecft ber SBtnf, fcon bir mid) 311 entfcrnen, 
 l)Uft e mir, fo ^o^e 5Bei^eit lernen! 
 
 bin id) fern! 3)er Je^igen Minute, 
 ^iemt benn ber? -3d) tintpf e8 nid)t ^u fagen; 
 bietet mir gnm @d)i)nen mand)e nte, 
 faftet nnr, id) mng mic^ ifym entfd)lagen ; 
 treibt nm()er em unbejunngttc^ @el)nen, 
 bleibt !ein $Rat al^ gren^enlofe f)ranen. 
 
 quettt benn fort I nnb flie^et nnauf^altfam ; 115 
 nie gelting'S, bie innre (ut gu bampfen I 
 n raft ? 6 nnb retjt in meiner ^Bruft geinaltfam, 
 3Tob nnb Seben graufenb fid) befdmpfen. 
 
 ^riinter giib% be^ ^drper^ Qna( jn ftitten; 
 SlUein bent eift fefjit^ am (Sntfdjlufe nnb SBitten, 120 
 
 am ^3egriff: inte fodf cr fie nenniffen? 
 tniebert)ott itjr 33ilb ^n taufenbmaten. 
 
 gaubcrt balb, batb inirb e^ ineggeriffen, 
 Unbeittlid) je^t nnb je^t im retnften tra^Ien; 
 
 liinnte bie geringftem Xrofte frommen, 125 
 
 nnb glut, ba el)en nne ba^ Hommen? 
 
 mid) I)ier, getrene SBeggenoffen ! 
 mid) alfein am ge(^, in 3)^oor nnb 
 immer jn! end) ift bie 3Be(t erfdjtoffen, 
 (Srbe ineit r ber tmmel Ijefyr nnb gro ; 130 
 
158 (Soctfyes (Bebicfytc. 
 
 33etrad)tet, forfdjt, Me (Sm>el()etten fammelt, 
 9?atnrgef)eimni3 iuerbe nadjgeftammeft. 
 
 2J?ir ift ba$ 5(11, id) bin mir fetbft berloren, 
 )er id) nod) erft ben cittern Siebling luar; 
 135 <ie priiften mid), uerliel)en mir ^anboren, 
 @o reid) an ittent, reid)er an efafyr ; 
 (go brangten mid) gum gabefeltgen SO^unbe, 
 @ie rrennen mid) nnb rid) ten mid) $n runbe. 
 
 141. Sc^lof? 3elt?e^ete in bet Hbenbfonne, 
 
 Xen 21. Sluguft 1824. 
 
 auen e)r tom 
 
 im ^nnern traulid), frot) unb l)olb. 
 (gqeige fid) betn ganje ^eben fo: 
 
 au^en I)err(id), innen ^olb unb frol). 
 
 142. 3il& bes elterlidjen 
 
 am fltatn. 
 
 biefem ^3runnen l)aft aud) bu 
 engen SRaum bie SBeite Dorgcfitl)tt ; 
 2Banberftab au^ frommer Gutter 
 9toljmft bit getroft in^ fernfte Seben^tanb 
 Unb magft'nun gern uer(ofd)ne 33tlb erneun, 
 erften <2d)ritt bid) freun. 
 
 (Sine cfyttieUe I)ie6 in Seben 
 Derfd)iebne 353ege ge()n; 
 e3 bod) gu eblem (Streben, 
 anf 
 
(Soetfyes <Sebid?te. 159 
 
 143. 
 
 3m entftett 23einf)an3 trar% tt>o id) befdjaute, 
 Sie @d)abe( <Sd)abe(n angeorbnet patten; 
 )ie a(te 3 e ^ gebad)f id), bie ergrante. 
 @ie ftetm in $Heif) geflemmt, bie fonft fid) fya^ten, 
 Unb berbe $nodjen, bie fid) toblidj fd)(ngen, 5 
 @ie (iegen freu^trei^ ^a^m airier 311 raftett. 
 (Jntrenlte @d)u(terbtcitter! Sa^ fie trugen, 
 gragt niemanb me()r; unb jierlid) t^afge (ieber, 
 
 cmb, ber gug jerftreut au 8ebett$fitgen. 
 ^iiben a(fo lagt tiergebettS nieber, 10 
 
 u^ im rabe (ie man eud), fcertrieben 
 (Seib i^r ^erauf jitm lidjten Xage inieber, 
 Unb niemanb fann bie bitrre @(^ate (ieben, 
 
 ^errlid) ebten ^?ern fie and) bett>af)rte. 
 mir Slbepten toar bie d)dft gefdjrieben, 15 
 ^eil'gen @inn nid)t jebem offenbarte, 
 5ll id) inmitten folder ftarren 9Dtoge 
 Unfd)ii^bar ^errtic^ ein ebilb gettia^rte, 
 in be^ StfanmeS 3Jiobcrla(f nnb @nge 
 
 fret nnb toa'rmefitfjlenb mic^ erqnitfte, 20 
 
 $ ob ein Seben$qnett bem ob entfprange. 
 mid) geljeimniSfcolf bie gorm ent^iicfte! 
 gottgebadjte @pnr, bie fic^ er^alten ! 
 (Sin 33U<f, ber mic^ an jeneS ^eer entritcfte, 
 
 ffotenb ftromt gefteigerte eftalten. 25 
 
 e^eirn @efa r Dra!elfpriid)e fpenbenb ! 
 
 bin id) itiert, bi(^ in ber anb jn fatten, 
 ^bc^ften @d)a^ an^ SJ^ober fromm entinenbenb 
 llnb in bie freie 8nft, gn freiem @innen, 
 3um @onnen(id)t anbai^tig ^in mi(^ toenbenb. 30 
 
160 (Soetfyes <5ebtd?te. 
 
 !ann ber !Jftenfd) im Seben mefyr geonnnen, 
 3tt bag fid) otteRatur ilmt offcnbarc? 
 Sie fie ba$ gefte ta'gt 311 eift tierrinnen, 
 fie ba^ (^etfter^eugte fcft betoafyre. 
 
 144. 
 
 ebtcl)te finb gematte genfterfdjetben ! 
 @ie^t man Dom 3J?arft in bie ^irc^e t)inein, 
 )a ift a((e^ bunfel unb bitfter; 
 ilnb fo fiet)f and) ber crr ^()iltfter: 
 >Der mag benn tt)ol)( Ocrbrie^Iic^ fein 
 Unb lebenSfancj iierbrte^tid) bteiben. 
 
 aber nnr einmat l)eretn! 
 bie fyeifige ^tapeKe; 
 ^Da ift'S auf einmel farbig ()e((e, 
 10 efcfyidjf unb Qitwt glan3t in cfynefte, 
 
 ^Bebeutenb iDtrft ein ebler d)ein ; 
 ^ie'S tnirb eud) inbern otte^ taugen, 
 rbaut euc^ nnb crgb^t bie 
 
 145. Safytte Xcnicn. 
 
 1. 
 
 in ber 2Bettgefd)id)te (ebt r 
 5lugenblid foUt' er fic^ ric^ten? 
 in bie 3 e ^en fdjant nnb ftrebt, 
 ber ift mert, gn f^red)en unb %u bitten. 
 
(Soetljes <Sebid?te. 161 
 
 2. 
 
 alter SWatm tft ftet em imig Sear!- 5 
 ganb in anb mittoirlte, ftritt, 
 3ft langft fcorbeigegangen, 
 
 mit itnb an btr (iebte, (ttt, 
 fid) too anberS angeljangen ; 
 3^9^^^ ift urn i^rettniden fyier, 10 
 
 toa're t^ortdjt gn Kertangen: 
 , altete bn ntit mir. 
 
 3. 
 tiom $erganglid)en, 
 
 311 fcereiwgen, 15 
 
 totr ja ba. 
 
 4. 
 
 ' nur, ttrie tragft bn fo be^a'gtid) 
 )er to lien -Sng^nb anmapd)e^ Sefen?" 
 
 fie tuarcn nnertrdglid), 
 id) ntdjt and) nnertraglid) getuefen, 20 
 
 5. 
 
 @tc^ere toillft bit bid) betten! 
 (iebe mir inneren <Streit: 
 
 toenn nrir bie wetfd nidjt fatten, 
 So tofire benn frol)e cttt^dt? 
 
 6. 
 
 ,,!Dir toarnm bod) oerlicrt 25 
 
 fetd) aiie SBert nnb 
 
162 
 
 fynn mtereffiert, 
 ethane ntd)t 
 
 7. 
 
 ba eftirn, 
 3 Dfyne aft, 
 
 2lber ofjne 9toft, 
 )rel)e fid) jeber 
 Um bie eigne Saft 
 
 ntcf)t rec^t!" !Da mag it)o^( fein; 
 35 )od) ba 311 fagen r tft ftern ; 
 
 tnetjr rec^t al$ tc^! X)a^ luirb U)a^ fetn. 
 
 9. 
 
 Xitd)tige, unb luenn aud^ fatfd), 
 SBirft Xag fur ag, ton @au^ g 
 T)a Xitc^tige, tuenn^ li)af)rt)aft ift, 
 40 Strtt iiber al(e 3etten ^tnau^. 
 
 10. 
 
 bu r tag btd)'8 nic^t betriiben, 
 ber Mangel fit()rt jum ?ieben; 
 $annft bic^ nid)t uom gel^t befreht, 
 Sirft bu anbern gern fcerjetfyn. 
 
 11. 
 
 45 Sar' nic^t bag Sluge fonnen^aft, 
 
 !Die @onne fount' eS nie erb(i(f en ; 
 tig' ntd)t in un beg otteS eigne ^raft, 
 lonnt' un3 bttlic^eg entjitrf en ? 
 
<5oetfjes(Sebtd?te. 163 
 
 12. 
 
 bie 9?afe reicfyt, ba mag'3 foofjl gefyn ; 
 aber britber tft, fonnen fie nid)t fefyn. 50 
 
 (efen tnaben ben 
 
 ^naben cirgerte bte 
 )te ic^ nun getten laffen mug. 
 
 14. 
 
 tt ber Sett muft ntemanb (eben, 55 
 
 3(1^ roer fie brauc^en ttJtli; 
 3ft er braudjbar unb ftt(I r 
 
 er fid) lieber bem Xeufet ergeben, 
 3n t^un, tna^ fie unit. 
 
 15. 
 
 einer fief) gewofynen, 60 
 
 ei'S junt uten, jnm @c^onen. 
 tfyite nur ba^ 9?etf)te, 
 (Snbe bncft, am (5nbe bient ber (>d)led)te. 
 
 16. 
 
 (gin reiner SReim tDtrb tt>o^( bege^rt, 
 
 ben (Stebanfen rein jn ^aben, 65 
 
 )ie ebelfte tion alien @aben, 
 ift ntir atle 9?ehne inert. 
 
164 (Soetfyes <5ebid?te. 
 
 17. 
 
 2LMber(egen, 33ebingen, 33egrimmen 
 23emitf)t unb britftet manner fid); 
 70 3d) tan baranS nid)t$ toeiter geininnen, 
 
 2U3 baft er anberS benlt uric id). 
 
 18. 
 
 Sie frud)tbar ift ber Keinfte 
 man ifyn ti)ol)t 311 
 
 19. 
 
 SBenn ^inbe^blitf begierig fdjaut, 
 75 (5r finbet be^ >ater3 au gebaut; 
 
 Unb iuenn ba3 Ol)r fi(| erft Dertraut, 
 tont ber DJiutterfprac^e Saut; 
 
 bie^ nnb jene nal), 
 fabelt i()m, tr>a^ fern gefdjafy, 
 80 Umfittigt itjn, ttuicfyft er ^eran; 
 
 (5r finbet eben atteS getl)an, 
 
 9D?an riiljmt iljm bie^ r man ^reift i^m ba$ 
 
 @r tudre gar gern aitd) ettt>a^. 
 
 2Bie er foW widen, fdjaffen, lieben, 
 85 T)a^ fteljt ja aUe^ fd)on gefc^rieben 
 
 Unb, rt)a$ nod) fd)timmer ift, gebrntf t ; 
 
 Qa fte()t ber junge s U^enfd) tierburft, 
 
 Unb enb(id) irnrb i^m offenbar: 
 
 (5r fei nnr, tua^ ein anbrer 
 
 20. 
 
 90 ern umr' id) Uberliefrnng 
 
 Unb ganj original; 
 
(Sebtcfyte. 165 
 
 )od) ift ba$ Unternefynten grog 
 Unb fiifyrt in ntandje Qual 
 TO 2lutod)tl)one redjnef id) 
 @$ mir gur fyodjften (Sfyre, 95 
 
 28enn id) nicfjt gar ju tDii 
 iibedtefnmg ix>are. 
 
 21. 
 3Sater fyab' ic^ bie 
 
 9!)Zittterd)ett bie grofynatur 
 Unb Suft 311 fabttlieren. 
 Ura()nl)err mar ber djimften 
 a fpult jo ^in unb mieber, 
 llratjnfrait ttebte @d)mutf unb 
 
 gudt n)ol)( burd) bie Ucber. 105 
 
 nun bie (^(emente nid)t 
 
 bent ^omptcj: ju trennen, 
 
 tft benn an bent gan^en SKic^t 
 Original ^u nennen? 
 
 22. 
 
 eifen faun id) ntc^t ba$ geben, no 
 
 9?ic^t ba Snnen nod) ba^ 5lugen, 
 5lto mug ba^ an^e geben, 
 Um nut end) unb ntir ^u fjaufen. 
 
 I)abMd) nur gefd)rteben, 
 
 fii^le, \vie id) ; g meine, us 
 
 llnb fo fpatf id) ntid), il)r Sieben, 
 Unb bin intnterfort ber eine. 
 
166 (Soetfjes <Sebtd?te. 
 
 23. 
 
 ,,Qd) fyielt mid) ftets t>on $Mftern entfernt; 
 9?ad)treten foare mir (SdmtadjI 
 120 gab' alle$ ton mtr felbft gelernt." 
 
 (3 ift and) barnacfy! 
 
 24. 
 
 n n oet^e 3)enhna( ma^ ja^lft bu jefet?" 
 gragt biefer, jener nnb ber. - 
 ga'tf id) mir nic^t felbft ein )enfmal gefe^t, 
 125 )a$ ^Denlmal, IDO feint' e^ benn l)er? 
 
 25. 
 
 ut tjerloren etroaS tjerloren! 
 3ftngt rafc^ btct) beftnnen 
 Unb nene^ gemtnnen. 
 (Sfyre uerloren tiiel nerloren! 
 130 SJhtftt 9^nl)m getr>tnnen, 
 
 $)a tt)erben bie Seute ftc^ anbere beftnnen. 
 9ft nt t>erloren alleS berloren! 
 *)a luaV e6 beffer, nid)t geboren. 
 
 26. 5lngeben!en. 
 
 5(ngeben!en an ba3 nte 
 135 a'It unS immer frtfc^ bet 
 
 5lngeben!en an ba 
 
 3ft ba @et( ber (Srbenfd^ne. 
 
 5lngeben!en an ba$ Stebe, 
 
 ! inenn'^ lebenbig bltebe. 
 
(Soetfjes <Sebtd?te. 167 
 
 ^ngebenlen an ba$ (Sine 140 
 
 23(eibt ba$ 23efte, toaS id) tnetne. 
 
 27. )en $ereinigten Staaten. 
 
 Amenta, bit fyaft e$ beffer 
 
 511^ unfer Continent, ba^ atte r 
 
 aft feine tterfaftene c^ldffer 
 
 Unb feme ^Safalte. 145 
 
 )td) ftort ntd)t tm 
 
 3u lebenbtger 3 e ^ 
 
 Unnit^eS (Srinnern 
 
 Unb tiergeblid)er 
 
 bte egenmart mtt Uttfl 150 
 
 Unb trenn nun eure ^inber btdjten, 
 
 fie em gnt efcfyttf 
 fitter-, dauber- unb efpenftergefcfyidjten. 
 
 28. 
 
 !ann nttc^ ntcfyt bereben laffen, 
 
 nttr ben Xenfel nur ntc^t !(etn: 155 
 
 er(, ben alte 9ftenfcf)en ^affen, 
 mng tva^ fcin! 
 
 29. 
 
 !Dentfc^en finb rec^t gutc Senf : 
 
 fie einjetn, fie brtngen^ tt)eit ; 
 
 finb i!)nen auc^ bie grb^ten Xtjaten 160 
 
 erftenmal im an^en geraten. 
 jeber fprecfye 5lmen baretn, 
 
 e^ nicf)t moge ba6 (e^te 3J^al fein! 
 
168 (Soetfyes <5ebtd?tc. 
 
 30. 
 
 2Ba3 bie rogen ute8 tfyaten, 
 165 @a() id) oft itt meinem Seben ; 
 
 Sag unS nun Me Golfer geben, 
 Deren augemaljlte 2Beifen 
 gufammen [ic^ beraten, 
 
 unfre (5n!el 
 170 )ie'S ertebcn. 
 
 146. 
 
 ic bie 
 
 molten ben grilling feffcln, 
 brangt ber ommer fdjon itberaK 
 )ifteln unb mit 92cffcln. 
 mir ()at er bag (eid)te ^anb 
 5ln jenem 53autn nerbidjtet, 
 )urd) ba^ id) fonft gu fdjbnftent 
 T>en ^iebe^blid gerid)tet ; 
 2>erbetft ift mir bag bunte )ad), 
 tc ttter nnb bie ^foften ; 
 S^o^in mein Slucje fpa'{)enb brad), 
 T)ort etuig bleibt mein Often. 
 
 147. 
 
 fttUe grenbe woHt itjr ftbren? 
 mid) bei metnem ^3ec^er SKein ; 
 anbern !ann man fid) befefyren, 
 ^Begeiftert tuirb man nur atlein. 
 
(5oetf}es (Sebtcfyte. 169 
 
 148. Dem auf^e^en^en Pottmcmfce. 
 
 SDornburg, 25. Sluguft 1828. 
 
 StUft bu mid) fog(etd) tierlaffenl 
 Sarft tm Slugenbttcf fo nal) ! 
 )id) umfinftern SBolfenmaffen, 
 llnb nun bift bit gar nidjt ba. 
 
 bn fit^tft, toie id) betritbt bin, 
 bein 9^anb ^eranf at^ Stern 1 
 3cugeft mtr r ba id) geliebt bin, 
 i ba^ Siebdjen nod) fo fern. 
 
 @o ^tnan benn! ^el( nnb feller, 
 
 Reiner 33afnt, in boiler ^3rad)t ! 
 
 d)(agt mein er5 aud) fdjtneqlid) fd)ne((er, 
 
 Uberfettg ift bie s J?ad)t. 
 
 149. D*?rnbur^, September H828. 
 
 itf), tnenn Xfyal, ebirg nnb arten 
 9^ebelfd)(eiern ftc^ ent^iillen, 
 Unb bem fefynlidjften (Snuarten 
 bunt fid) fittfen ; 
 
 SBenn ber ttfjer, SBoIfen tragenb, 
 3JJtt bem tlaren Xage ftreitet, 
 llnb ein Dfttvinb, fie tieriagenb, 
 onnenba^n bereitet ; 
 
 T)anlft bu bann, am 33(i(f btc| meibenb, 
 Reiner 23ruft ber rogen, o(ben, 
 bie (Sonne, rottid) fd)etbenb, 
 ben ori^ont bergolben. 
 
170 (Soetfyes (Sebicfytc. 
 
 150. 
 
 @e(bft erfinben ift fd)im ; bod) glitd(id) t>on anbern efnnbne$ 
 gro^ttrf) erfatwt unb gefd)at, nennft bit ba$ meniger betn ? 
 
 151. lln Me funfjetyn ^reunbe in (En^lanfc. 
 
 2Beimar, ben 28. Sluguft 1831. 
 
 Sorte, bie ber )id)ter fprid)t 
 Xren in ^eimifd)en ^irfen, 
 Sirfen g(eid), boc^ tr>ei er nid)t, 
 Db fie in bie gerne luirfen. 
 
 , ^abt fie anfgefagt : 
 
 inn, ba fjun gegiigelt ; 
 tetig (Streben oljne $aft." 
 Unb fo \DoHt ifyr'S benn befiegelt. 
 
 152. 
 
 33 en C. Sttarx 1832. 
 
 (Sin jeber fe^re t)or feiner 
 Unb rein ift jebeS Stabtquartier 
 (Sin jeber it be fein' Seltion, 
 o ttrirb e gnt im 9tate ftofyn. 
 
NOTES. 
 
 The time and place of the first publication of each of the poems in- 
 cluded in this collection is given in the Notes. In case a poem first 
 appeared elsewhere and was afterwards taken by Goethe into his col- 
 lected works, that fact is also mentioned. The following editions of 
 the works were issued under Goethe's direction : 
 
 @d)riften, 1787-1790, in 8 volumes, Leipzig, Goschen. The poems 
 were in the last volume. Cited in the Notes as @d)riftert, 1 789. 
 
 9?ene @d)viften, 1792-1800, in 7 volumes, Berlin, Unger. The 
 poems were in the last volume. Cited as ^CUC @d)rtften, 1800. 
 
 2Berfe, 1806-1810, in 13 volumes, Tubingen, Cotta. The poems 
 were in the first volume. Cited as SSerfc, 1806. 
 
 SBerfe, 1815-1819, in 20 volumes, Stuttgart and Tubingen, Cotta. 
 The poems were in the first two volumes. Cited as 2Ber!e, 1815. The 
 editions following were all published by Cotta. 
 
 3Bcrfe. SBottftchtbtge 2lu8gabe letter anb, 1827-1830, in 40 vol- 
 umes. The poems, including 38eft*6ftUd)er SHuatt, were in the first 
 six volumes. Cited as $Berfe, 1827. 
 
 Eckermann and Riemer assisted in the preparation of this 9Ulgabe 
 tester CUlb and became Goethe's literary executors, as it were, in the 
 preparation of the two editions following. As Goethe's instructions or 
 wishes must have guided in these editions, they are also cited in the 
 Notes : 
 
 ^adjgelaffene SBerfe, 1832-1842, in 20 volumes. The poems were 
 in volumes 7 and 16. Cited as 9tfad)gefaffene SBerfe, 1833. 
 
 SBerte, 1836, in 2 volumes. The poems were in the first volume. 
 Cited as 2Ber!e, 1836. 
 
 All references to Goethe's writings and letters, or quotations from 
 them, unless express statement is made to the contrary, are based on 
 the Weimar edition (oetbe SBcrfe berouSgegeben im Sluftrage ber 
 (Sh'operjogtn opbie t)on @ad)jen). The publication of this monu- 
 mental edition was begun in 1887 and is not yet completed. 
 
 173 
 
174 GOETHES GEDICHTE. 
 
 The list appended to Cotta editions of Goethe's works under the title 
 of Qtbronofogte ber (Sntftebinig oetfyefdjer @rf)riften is cited in the Notes 
 merely as (Ijronotogie. It is by no means always accurate, but gives, 
 nevertheless, useful hints concerning the time of origin of some of the 
 poems. 
 
 The literature about Goethe has grown to enormous proportions. 
 Much of it has been freely used in the preparation of these Notes. So 
 far as the results of such investigations have become the general prop- 
 erty of students of Goethe, no other acknowledgment of indebtedness 
 is made. In the case of more specific obligations, acknowledgment is 
 made at the proper place in the Notes. The following books have been 
 used more frequently than others and are cited in the Notes only by the 
 names of their authors : 
 
 oetbe @ebicf)te, 9tu8rrjaht in cfovonologifdjer ^otge, mit (Sinleitung 
 unb 3lnmerfungen toon ubttrig S3htme, 2Bten, 1892. 
 
 oetbeS Itjrifcfje ebidjte, edantert Don Jpeinrid) 2)uner, brittc, 
 neubearbeitete SUtflage, eito$ig, i896ff. Also his edition of $Beft= 
 oftlicbev 2)itoan in oetf)e 2Berfe, Alerter Sell, Berlin imb (Stutt- 
 gart, without date. (Kiirschner's series.) 
 
 ebic^te, mit (Sinteitung unb 5tnmcrfungen oon . con 
 , 3 Xci(e, SBerltn, 1882-1884. Also his edition of 2Beft=oftUcf)er 
 3)t&an in oethe SBerfc, Alerter Xeit, Berlin, without date. (Hem- 
 pel's edition.) 
 
 oetbe8 ebid^te, . . . herauSgcgcben unb mit 2Cnmer!ungen begleitct 
 oon gr. trcbl!e, 3 SBcinbe, Sertin, i886ff. 
 
 oetfjeS cbtcfjte, ertautert . . . toon etnrtcf) 3Sicboff, 2. SKuflage, 2 
 S3dnbe, (Stuttgart, 1869-1870. 
 
 (SoetljeS 53ricfc an $iau toon @tein, beraiiegegeben toon 3lbolf cfjofl. 
 3tt>eite toertoollftnnbtgte 5lnflagc bearbeitet toon SBilljelm ^teUt^, 2 
 33dnbe, ^ranffurt, 1883-1885. 
 
Don ftnebridj 2Jlttgtmtliatt 
 
 First appeared in ^Berliner Sftotttagjeitung, 1865. 
 
 Goethe tells us in SDidjtltng Itnb SBafjrfieit that he began writing in 
 verse at a very early age, and some of the poems preceding his depar- 
 ture from Frankfort to the University of Leipzig in the autumn of 1 765 
 have been preserved. As representative of these youthful productions, 
 the last stanza of a poem written by Goethe in the album of his friend 
 Moors is given here. It ended with a quotation from Horace, Risum 
 teneatis amici ! and was signed, 3. 28. oet&C, ber fcfjbnen SBiffenfdjoften 
 SHefchaber, 28. Huguft 1765. 
 
 2. 2tn Sdjrtfa. 
 
 First appeared in 28evfe, 1836. 
 
 The three years of his student life at Leipzig were of profound in- 
 fluence in Goethe's development. The direct influence of the university 
 was small, but the stimulus given him by his associates, and the social, 
 intellectual, and artistic life of the city were impulses to rapid growth, 
 probably unequalled in his later career. 
 
 In his letter to his sister, of May II, 1767 (p. 88), he gives clear ex- 
 pression to his belief in his poetic mission. Nevertheless he was an 
 imitator of the German poets of the day in the form and contents of his 
 poetry. Little that he wrote came from his own experience. In the 
 choice and use of words and in the management of rime he showed, 
 however, astonishing ease and skill. 
 
 One of the Leipzig friends was Ernst Wolfgang Behrisch (1738- 
 1809), then acting as tutor to a young nobleman. His years and 
 greater experience in life gave him a sort of intellectual ascendancy 
 over Goethe, which was not always wholesome for the latter morally, 
 but was profitable to him in many other respects. At the suggestion of 
 his friend, Goethe destroyed most of what he had previously written. 
 In part because of his relations with the young poet, who had lost favor 
 in certain quarters for reasons explained in SHdjtUtig Itnb 
 
 175 
 
176 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 2-4. 
 
 Behrisch came into disrepute with his employer and was compelled to 
 seek a new position in Dessau. This led Goethe to write and send to 
 him, in the autumn of 1767, three odes, of which the second is given 
 here. The friendship of the two men continued till Behrisch's death. 
 The metrical structure of the odes shows clearly the influence of the 
 poet Klopstock, while their hysterical tone reveals Goethe's inexperience. 
 
 1. 5. The region about Leipzig is flat. 
 
 1. Q. efctirort, breeding-place. 
 
 1. xx. 2ftorberI)iiUe, as if the fogs and the vapors from the swamps 
 acted as a covering to hide from view the harmful insects. 
 
 3. $er 
 
 First appeared in eipjtget SHeberblldj, 1769; taken into 
 toffene 2Berfe, 1833. 
 
 His letters of the time show that Goethe's literary work at Leipzig 
 was not inconsiderable in quantity. Much of it was destroyed and 
 very little found its way into his collected works. Nevertheless a part 
 appeared in print at this period. In the autumn of 1769, but bearing 
 the date 1770, appeared a collection of twenty poems without Goethe's 
 name and with the title, 9?euc SHeber in -HRetobieit gefet^t Don 33ernl)arb 
 beobor 23rettfopf. This collection is commonly known as Mpjiger 
 Sieberblld). Breitkopf was a few months older than Goethe, who asso- 
 ciated much with members of the family, of which the grandfather was 
 the head of the famous publishing house of the same name. 
 
 The exact date of composition of 2)er Sfttfantfyrop is unknown. 
 Goethe's letters while at Leipzig and his account in )i(f)tuitg uub 
 2BabrI)cit (SBcrfe, XXVII, mff.) show that his state of mind in 
 those days was often such that the poem could easily have been taken 
 from his own experience. 
 
 1. 3- fomtttt . . . 6ct, equals, matches. 
 
 4. tiirf itnb Xraum. 
 
 First appeared in 2dptger teberbud), 1769, with the title 2)a8 
 lu'rf; taken into 3Berfe, 1815, with the present title. 
 
 Some time in the year 1768 Goethe gave to Friederike Oeser, the 
 
Sel. 4-6.] NOTES. 177 
 
 daughter of the Leipzig artist who, as teacher and friend, so profoundly 
 influenced him for several years, a manuscript collection of ten poems, 
 all but one of which were subsequently printed in eipgiger SHeberbltd). 
 This manuscript seems to give the earliest form of the poems. In it 
 tiicf unb Sraum has the title, 3)a8 tiicf, an Stnnetten. 
 
 The maiden addressed was Kathchen Schonkopf, the daughter of a 
 wine-dealer at whose house Goethe dined during most of his stay in 
 Leipzig. He was on very intimate terms with the family, and fell in 
 love with the daughter. She returned his affection, but was often much 
 tormented by his whims and jealousy. The whole affair is described in 
 Sidjtmig Ultb Sabrhett (2Ber!e, XXVII, iioff.) and is enacted, as it 
 were, before our eyes, in Goethe's letters of the time. The letter of 
 April 26, 1768, to Behrisch, makes evident the manner of the ending of 
 the relationship as lovers, apparently at Goethe's initiative, although he 
 had his seasons of regret and melancholy even after his return to 
 Frankfort, and was much distressed by the news of her engagement to 
 Dr. Kanne, to whom she was later married. The exact date of com- 
 position of the poem is unknown, but evidently falls in the days when 
 the more intimate relations with Kathchen had ended or were about to 
 end. 
 
 5. 2$ed)fel. 
 
 First appeared in SMpjiger SHeberblld), 1 769, with the title Unbeftatt= 
 btgfett; taken into (fyriften, 1789, with changes and with present 
 title. 
 
 Likewise in the collection of Friederike Oeser, and evidently called 
 forth by his love-affair with Kathchen Schonkopf. 
 
 1. 7. fcerfdjleifft, drag out, waste. 
 
 6. $er Sl&frfiieb. 
 
 First appeared in @d)riften, 1789. 
 
 There is no positive p^roof of an earlier origin than that indicated by 
 the time of its first publication, although it is mentioned in GTbronotogie 
 as belonging to 1770-71. Nevertheless the poem is now commonly as- 
 signed to the year 1770, because of the name Franzchen in the fourth 
 stanza, and on the ground of Goethe's letter from Saarbriicken on June 
 
178 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 6, 7. 
 
 27, 1770, in which occur the words: <agen @tc meinem 
 baft idj nod) immer ibr bin. 3d) babe fie inel tteb, unb id) argerte mid) 
 oft, baft ftc mid) fo toentg genierte; man roill gebnnben fetn, tnenu man 
 Uebt. The Franzchen to whom the message was sent was Franziska 
 Crespel, a friend of Goethe's sister. In the year and a half of Goethe's 
 illness and convalescence at Frankfort, after his return from Leipzig, it is 
 possible that an intimate but transitory love relation with Franziska 
 sprang up, although it can not be proved. If we adopt this supposition, 
 the poem was called forth by Goethe's departure in March to Strassburg 
 to resume his studies. 
 
 1. 13. Jirtiltj)d)Ctt, not to be translated as a diminutive. The German 
 diminutive is frequently used sportively, endearingly, or in other ways 
 which make a literal translation absurd. If the poem was really ad- 
 dressed to Franziska Crespel, the diminutive was probably caused here 
 by the rime. 
 
 7. aSHflfommett uttb 9(6frf)teb. 
 
 First appeared in the periodical 3n, March, 1775; taken into 
 djrtften, 1789, with changes. 
 
 This poem shows admirably the wonderful change that had taken 
 place in Goethe's lyrics since the days at Leipzig. The influences brought 
 to bear upon him at Strassburg were many and varied. Chief among 
 them were the scenery and the life of Alsace, the intercourse with Her- 
 der, the consequent better acquaintance with English literature and the 
 German SSolfSlieb, his love for Friederike Brion. At Leipzig, as we 
 have already seen, he was not free from subserviency to the lyric fashion 
 of the times, he tried not infrequently to portray feelings which he had 
 never experienced, he had not yet really learned to see nature. At 
 Strassburg he mastered the art of making his lyrics the outpourings of 
 his own experiences, the confessions of his inner life. 
 
 Not the least among the strong influences of those months was the 
 poet's glowing affection for Friederike Brion. His first visit to her home 
 at Sesenheim was in October, 1770. He wrote to her on October 15, 
 just after his return to Strassburg. A mutual affection seems to have 
 sprung up at once. Goethe made two long visits at Sesenheim at Easter 
 and Whitsuntide of 1771, as we know by his letters to Salzmann at that 
 time, and may have made several briefer ones previously. 
 
Sel. 7.] NOTES. 179 
 
 imb 2(bfd)ieb was doubtless addressed to Friederike, but 
 the exact date of its composition has been much in dispute, as Goethe's 
 highly idealized account of the whole Sesenheim episode in 3)td)tlUtg 
 linb SIBafjrfjeit seems to make the chronology of the period hopelessly 
 confused, and there is nothing in the poem to indicate the season of the 
 year. The lovers have, it is true, reached the stage of tears, kisses, and 
 mutual understanding of their love, but that might have come about in 
 a few weeks or days. There is therefore no inherent improbability in 
 any date after the first meeting in October. 
 
 However, as Goethe seems to have SBtllfommen llttb 9tbjrf)ieb in mind 
 in describing in the eleventh book of 2)id)tung linb SBdbfheit [SBerfe, 
 XXVIII, 10) a visit to Sesenheim at the beginning of one of the uni- 
 versity vacations, it is probable that the poem originated then. The de- 
 tails of the description apply to a time of year suitable to outdoor life, 
 that is, to Easter or Whitsuntide. If poem and visit were thus associat- 
 ed, the date of both must have been the beginning of the Easter vaca- 
 tion, as the poem gives no hint of waning affection, and Goethe's letters 
 to Salzmann show that he had begun at Whitsuntide to feel the uncer- 
 tainties of his position and to question the wisdom of his love for Friede- 
 rike. In 1771 Easter Sunday came on March 31. This may be re- 
 garded as fixing approximately the date of the poem. 
 
 We may imagine Goethe at Strassburg when his heart bade him so 
 imperiously to undertake in hot haste the journey to Sesenheim, some 
 twenty-five miles distant, as the afternoon was already nearing its close. 
 In the latter part of the first stanza and through the whole of the second 
 he contrasts graphically the imagined terrors of the night with the con- 
 fidence of his own love-filled heart. The third stanza describes the meet- 
 ing of the lovers, and the fourth their parting on the morning of the 
 next day. In the first publication in the periodical 3ri8 the last stanza 
 read : 
 
 >er 5lbfd)ieb, one bebrangt, wte triibe! 
 
 2lu betnen 2Mtden farad) bein <>er3. 
 
 3n bcinen $iiffen n>eld)e Cicbc! 
 
 ) tneldje 2Bonne, tt>eld)er djrners! 
 
 $>u gingft, id) ftiinb unb fal) 3ur drben 
 
 linb fat) bit nad) mtt naffem 58lirf: 
 
 linb bod), tueld) turf geltebt 311 tuerben! 
 
 Unb lieben, (hotter, meld) ein QHucf. 
 
180 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 7-9. 
 
 Here is not a word about departure on the next morning. The lover, 
 who is about to leave, stands following with his eyes his sweetheart who 
 is presumably going into the house after bidding him good-bye. This 
 is probably what actually took place, but the later changes make the sit- 
 uation more effective and more natural. 
 
 8. i'tit einem n cm a I ten 23cmb. 
 
 First appeared in the periodical 3rt$, January, 1775; taken into 
 djriften, 1789. 
 
 In 3)ict)tung itnb SBahrljeit (SBerfe, XXVIII, 32) Goethe tells of 
 sending to Friederike such a ribbon decorated by himself and accom- 
 panied by a poem. This poem is supposed to be the one to which he 
 thus refers. If so, it was written in the spring of 1771. Whatever the 
 time of their origin may be, the lines certainly give graceful expression 
 to feelings such as he had at Sesenheim. As first published, there was 
 an additional stanza between the present third and fourth, and the first 
 two lines of the last stanza read : 
 
 DJlfibdjen, ba lute id) empfinbet, 
 tntr bcine Hebe 
 
 1. 12. flcmuti], instead of gciutg. 
 
 1. 14. fret, -voluntarily, of your own accord. 
 
 9. 9RatIte*. 
 
 First appeared in the periodical 3rt8, January, 1775, with the title 
 ajtaifejlj taken into djriften, 1789. 
 
 Assigned conjecturally to the spring of 1771, as Goethe, in writing to 
 J. G. Jacob!, the editor of 3>ri, on December I, 1774, speaks of send- 
 ing to him some poems of earlier origin. As 2Jaitieb was published in 
 the next issue, it is supposed to be one of the poems meant, although it 
 may have been written later. Goethe spent at least the latter part of 
 May, 1771, at Sesenheim, and the tone of the poem fits admirably into 
 his life there. 
 
 1. 13. Sie&C, the abstract, not "the loved one." 
 
 1. 19. SBltttenbaittpf, poetic for the fragrance of the flowers. 
 
Sel. 9, 10.] NOTES. 181 
 
 1. 21. 2ftabrfjCtt, for this sudden transition in thought to his sweet- 
 heart notice also the close of ^riifyjettiger g-riifyUng (Sel. 89). 
 
 10. thfct ber %ntf), fo gilt ber S3alg. 
 
 First appeared in @d)riften, 1789. 
 
 Commonly assigned to the spring of 1771, although possibly of later 
 origin. In 2)irf|tung unb 2Bab,rb,eit (SBerfe, XXVIII, 14, 21) Goethe 
 speaks of the outdoor games played at Sesenheim, but such amusements 
 were not unknown in the circle of his friends after his return to Frank- 
 fort. Eckermann says (etyrad)e, III, 172) : 3d) bad)te an bie gliicf* 
 Urfje 3ett be oortgen SafyrbunbertS, in ineldje oetljeS 3ugenb fiel; e 
 trot mtr bie ommerhtft con @efenh,eim bor bie eele, nnb idj erin= 
 nerte i()n an bie S5erfe : 
 
 9lad) SOtittage fa^en wir 
 3unge 95oll im ^utjten. 
 
 ,&$," feufjte oet^e, ,,ba rt)aren freilicf) fd^one .Seiten/' This 
 seems to be a tacit acknowledgment that the poem originated at Sesen- 
 heim. 
 
 In a letter of May 4, 1807, to his friend Zelter, who set to music so 
 many of his poems, Goethe described the game as follows: 3Jian 
 nimmt etnen biinnen @toan, ober and) einen 2Bad)8ftocf, jiinbet ifyn an 
 unb la'fjt it)n etne 3^tttang brennen; benn blaft man bie ^famine n^eg, 
 ba^ bie $of)fe bleibt; benn fagt man fo ettig at mbglic^ bag 
 rf)en: 
 
 ttrbt ber ftucp, fo gilt ber 
 Sebt er lang, fo ttttrb er alt, 
 fiebt er, fo lebt er, 
 <Stirbt er, fo fttrbt er. 
 
 begrabt i^u nid)t mit ber 
 gereicfyt t^m jur 
 
 giebt man bie gtimmenbe ^er^e gefrfjnrinb bent ^ad^bar in bie 
 anb, ber bafelbige efe^en mieberboten mnfc; unb ba geb,t fo fange 
 fort, bt bie ^ob^te bet einem anUfd)t, ber benn ein $fanb geben mu^. 
 1. 21. patfdjte Jtt, JU adds the meaning away, repeatedly. 
 
182 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 11, 12. 
 
 11. S3Hnbe $ul). 
 
 First appeared in @(f)rifteit, 1 789. 
 
 Commonly assigned to the year 1771 but with less of evidence than 
 in the case of the two poems preceding. The game is blindman's buff. 
 
 1. 2. lunitbclt . . . fid), changes. Therese caught him when blind- 
 folded. When her eyes were unbandaged, she was vexed to discover 
 whom she had caught. 
 
 1. 17. Xtttfocit, used here in double sense; say gloom. 
 
 As given here eibenrbIein first appeared in Goethe's @d)riftett, 
 1789. About his claim to the authorship of the present version there 
 can therefore be no doubt, but much controversy has arisen concerning 
 an earlier version, and no generally accepted result has yet been reached. 
 
 In 1 773 Herder published in his 25on beittfdjer 5Irt Hub $Ultft a poem 
 with the title ^abettieb^en, which is evidently only another version of 
 ^>etbenro(eht, although differing from it in many details. For example, 
 the last stanza runs : 
 
 3ebod) ber nrilbe $nobe bracf) 
 
 5>a 5R6(etn, u. f. ro 
 2)a 9t63Ietn mcfjrte fief) unb [tod), 
 9lber er toergafe barnad) 
 S9etm (Senufj ba Cetben ! 
 
 5R5(ein, u. f. m. 
 
 With slight changes this version was reprinted in 1779 in Herder's 
 3SotfUeber. Herder implies in 1774 and says expressly in 1779 that the 
 poem was orally transmitted to him. It was not one of the 23olf(teber 
 sent by Goethe to Herder after his return to Frankfort from Strassburg, 
 and the most reasonable conclusion therefore is that Goethe was the 
 author of the version of 1773; further, either that Herder was mystify- 
 ing the public or had himself forgotten the origin of the poem, or that 
 Goethe recited it to Herder at Strassburg and that the latter took it for 
 a 23olf$Heb. The last of these suppositions is the most probable. In 
 his younger days Goethe was rather fond of mystifying his friends and 
 the public. 
 
Sel. 12-14.] NOTES. 183 
 
 eibenrb3tein is apparently based upon a poem in a collection pub- 
 lished by Paul von der Aelst in the year 1602. Herder knew the 
 collection and probably Goethe also, although he may have become 
 acquainted with the older poem in some other way. 
 
 13. 3tfleuue*lieb. 
 
 First appeared in von Einsiedel's play 2lbolar Itnb Uario, 1784; 
 taken into SBerte, 1815. 
 
 The poem originated as part of the first version of Goethe's drama 2)ic 
 @efd)id)te ottfrteben bon $BerUd)ingen and belongs therefore to the 
 latter part of 1771. This first version of the drama was not published 
 until after Goethe's death. In the revision, which appeared in 1773, 
 the poem was omitted. 
 
 As first written, the poem was to be sung by an old gypsy woman, the 
 other women joining in the chorus. The verb of the first stanza was 
 bor', not borte, and therefore referred to the night on which the song 
 was sung. Then the gypsy proceeded, as if the stormy night had re- 
 minded her of a former event, with the words, 3JJeilt 2ftann, ber jd)oft 
 Ctrl' $<*' ant 3 aun / an( ^ t0 ^ f tne v ^ f ^ie seven women to her to 
 take vengeance for the deed of her husband. As it now stands, the 
 whole refers solely to the man. The poem has both gained and lost by 
 the changes. The first stanza now appears to have no sort of con- 
 nection with the following; on the other hand, the remaining stanzas 
 are certainly benefitted by the alterations. As were-wolves (human 
 beings in the form of wolves) the gypsy witches come to take revenge, 
 but are compelled to flee at the calling of their names. 
 
 1. i. -Kefcelgenefel, drizzling mist. (Bowring.) 
 
 1. 25. Kef en nnb tyculten bnuon, equivalent to ftefert beiilenb bauon. 
 
 14. $er SBanbm. 
 
 First published in ottinger 2ftujenalmanarf) auf bag 3ab,r 1774; 
 taken into @d)riften, 1789, with changes. 
 
 The poem was in existence in April, 1772, being mentioned in a 
 letter to Herder by Caroline Flachsland, later Herder's wife. It be- 
 longs therefore to Frankfort and apparently to the early months of 
 
184 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 14. 
 
 1772. As Goethe sent Caroline a copy in May from Wetzlar, the finish- 
 ing touches may have been added at the latter place. The experiences 
 upon which the poem is based seem to go back to the time at Strass- 
 burg, called forth by the sight of old Roman remains in Alsace (3)td) 
 tling Ullb SBabrbett, SSerfe, XXVII, 339). But it reflects something 
 more than Goethe's personal experiences. It reveals him as influenced 
 by a wide-spread movement of the times; we see in it the enthusiastic 
 admirer of Goldsmith and of the poets of Greece and Rome. (See 
 also notes to Sel. 60.) 
 
 The SBanbrer is one of the most finished and effective of all Goethe's 
 achievements. Although the poem was written before he ever saw 
 Italy, the scene must be conceived as Italian. The wanderer, who is 
 at least an enthusiastic lover of art, if not an artist, comes as evening 
 draws near, to the spot where the young mother and the babe are, begs 
 for permission to rest there for a time, and doubtless intends to ask 
 presently about the road to his destination. All the rest is made clear 
 in the poem, as it proceeds step by step. 
 
 1. 2. fiiuflcnbcn, instead of faugenben. 
 
 1. 8. In her simplicity the women takes him for some sort of trades- 
 man. 
 
 1. 16. fftljl, as first printed, fdjttriU. The latter word was intended 
 to justify his request for a drink and was for that reason quite natural. 
 Goethe's later experience with the climate of Italy doubtless led to the 
 change to liibt. 
 
 1. 18. brniti?, relative, with the same meaning as IrjorauS. Notice 
 also brill, 1. 23. 
 
 1.32. btlbenbcr etft, fashioning spirit. (Bowring). 
 ! 35- 3 tt fd)*iftr tnat i > to some divinity. The next three lines 
 were originally : 
 
 SDer 93enu unb il)r itbrtgcn 
 <Sctb t>erlof<f)en, 
 2BegQettmnbelt, itjr cfpiclen. 
 
 1. 39. 2Reifter$, the one who made the inscription or had it made. 
 
 1. 57. eniu, the spirit of art, or possibly the soul of the architect 
 of the ruined temple. Bowring translates : 
 " Thou dost hover 
 O'er thy grave, all glowing, Genius." 
 
Sel. 14-16.] NOTES. 185 
 
 1. 67. A pair of columns and one isolated column alone are left 
 standing. 
 
 1. 87. (3 ift fitl)l f originally, ier ift fill)!, contrasting with the heat 
 lower down. 
 
 1. 90. Addressed to the child. 
 
 1. 107. (SjefegltC^ Ott. The mother hears the wanderer's good 
 wishes for the child and therefore utters these words; say, God grant it. 
 
 1. no. He declines the proffered bread. 
 
 1. 148. Cuttttfl, Goethe gives to the poem a definite place by the 
 mention of this name. Cumae was a very old Greek settlement in Italy, 
 the ruins of which still exist. In 1831, Mendelssohn, who did not 
 know of the early origin of the poem, believed that he had found in 
 Italy the place which Goethe meant. This led Goethe to say to Zelter 
 in his letter of May 7, 1831 : 3)aS tft ber SBorteit beg 2)id)terg, bafj er 
 ba Dorau$ abut unb toert ptt, ft>a ber bte SStrfUcfyfeit udjenbe, 
 toenn cr e im )afein ftnbet unb erfennet, boppeft Ueben unb hodjltd) 
 baron fid) erfreuen mufj. 
 
 1. 163. utte. 3m c^Iuffe bie SSolIenbung be fiinfttertf^en 2)a= 
 fein bnrc^ eine dnticf)feit, . . . enttyredjenb bcm ^iittenibeal ber 
 3fit. (von Loeper.) 
 
 15, $at aHc^ feinc Beit. 
 
 First appeared in Hirzel's SBrtefe toon oetbe an Ijefoetifdje ^reunbe, 
 1867, with the exception of the sixth line. 
 
 These lines formed a part of Goethe's Concerto Dramatico which 
 goes back at least to March, 1773, although never printed till 1869. 
 On a rainy day of the Rhine journey of 1774 (see eifte=rilfi, Sel. 19), 
 Goethe quoted them to Lavater, in whose diary they were preserved. 
 The whole is probably based on some folk-rime. For the general theme 
 see Ecclesiastes III, 1-8. It may be said in passing that Goethe was 
 exceedingly well versed in the Bible, as numberless passages in his 
 writings show. 
 
 16. Silettant unb Grittier, 
 
 First appeared in >er beutfcfye, fonft SSanbSbeder S3ote, October, 
 1773, with the title 2)a <&letd)ni; taken into 2Ber!e, 1815, with slight 
 changes and with present title. 
 
186 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 16-18. 
 
 The writing of the lines possibly preceded their publication by several 
 months. Goethe was in those days not free from sensitiveness to ad- 
 verse criticism. In his TOer linb dllbe and in Sftecettfent, which 
 belong to about the same period as 5)Uettant unb $ritifer, he also 
 shows bitterness of feeling towards his critics. It has been suggested 
 that it is not improbable that Herder's sharp arraignment of o in its 
 first form (see Goethe's letter of July, 1772), was the chief source of 
 Goethe's irritation at this time. The present title does not give accur- 
 ately the idea of the contents of the poem. 
 
 1. IS- eljt . . . gerateit, and QH . . . ttid)t (1. 20), and the word 
 s J>Jfif?flCtmrt (1. 21 ) are spoken by the fox. Qfcljt mofyl an, does toler- 
 ably -well. 
 
 1. 17. geraien, turn out. 
 
 1. 20. frliniingct nidjt, fehft ber @d)nnmg. (Sander's SSorterbudj.) 
 
 17. $>a SeUdjen. 
 
 First appeared in the periodical Sri$, March, 1775, as part of 
 unb (Slmire, eill djaufpiel mit efang ; taken as a separate poem into 
 Dleue dfyriften, 1800. 
 
 The poem was known to the Jacobis early in 1774 (or possibly in 
 1773, the year being in dispute. See Bergk's $d)t gieber 1)011 oettje, 
 p. 15). In the absence of positive information concerning the time of 
 the first work on (Srttrin Vtltb (Slniire, Bergk's suggestion of an in- 
 dependent origin of the poem has some justification. Goethe certainly 
 did on various occasions incorporate older materials into later work. 
 >eibenrb'8letn and 2)a3 SSeitdjen have a striking resemblance to each 
 other in spite of the contrasted demeanor of rose and violet. The 
 theme of 2)a8 SBetldjen is the utter self-abnegation of love. 
 
 1. 12. mtttt is here factitive, pressed till I am, etc. 
 
 18. $er flonig in I)nle. 
 
 First appeared in von Seckendorff's 2$olf= linb anberc ieber, 1782, 
 then in revised form in ^Ollft fragment, 1 789 ; taken as a separate poem 
 into Sfteue djriften, 1800. 
 
 A copy by Herder gives older readings than those of the first publi- 
 
Sel. 18, 19.] NOTES. 187 
 
 cation. The poem was recited by Goethe on the Rhine journey in the 
 summer of 1774, and doubtless originated at the time of the work on 
 the earliest scenes of ^Ciuft in 1773 or 1774. The theme is of love en- 
 during till death and showing itself in the treasuring above all posses- 
 sions of the last gift of the dying sweetheart. 
 
 1. i. Xfyltfc, the most northern part of Europe according to the 
 ancients. Here merely a fabulous and distant land. 
 
 1. 5- (3 gtttg tfyttt ttid)t3 boriibcr, he valued it more than anything 
 else. 
 
 1. 12. 3UflIcirf), lit., "at the same time as," or "together with" (his 
 other possessions) ; say, but. 
 
 19. eifte3=@ruj?. 
 
 First appeared in djriften, 1789. 
 
 As is related in the I4th book of 3)td)tUlig unb SBabrbeit, the Swiss 
 clergyman and physiognomist Lavater and the pedagogical reformer 
 Basedow. visited Goethe, a few days apart, at Frankfort, in the summer 
 of 1774. A little later the three came together at Ems, and from there 
 presently made a trip down the Lahn and Rhine to Cologne and Dus- 
 seldorf, where Goethe met the brothers Jacobi. The journey was full 
 of intellectual stimulus for the young poet. 
 
 In connection with the experiences of this summer Goethe says 
 (SBerfe, XXVIII, 284) : (gin efiibf aber, ba bei mtr gettmltig itber* 
 banb nabm unb fid) nirfjt ttmnberjam geniig aiijjern fonnte, rtmr bie 
 (Smpftnbitng ber $ergangenl)ett itnb egenttwrt in ein: eine Shifdjau* 
 ung, bie etaia etyenftermtifstgeS in bie egentoart bradjte. @ie ift in 
 tttelen nteiner gro^eren unb fletnern 3lrbetten augebrii(ft unb trirft im 
 ebicfjt tmmer tDO^ttbcitig. This poem illustrates what Goethe meant 
 by the lines just quoted. He dictated it to Lavater on July 18, as their 
 boat was going down the Lahn. It was called forth by the sight of the 
 ruins of castle Lahneck. We must imagine the spirit of the former 
 owner of the castle (be etben ebler eift), standing on the tower, 
 looking at the ship passing below and wishing it a successful journey 
 (ttJofyl gn fabren). He too was once full of the vigor of life and en- 
 joyed its pleasures. 
 
 1. 5. <Scnne, instead of @ebne. 
 
188 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 19-21. 
 
 1. 10. t)Crbeljttt r , say, -wasted. Contrasted with the tumultuousness 
 of the other half of his life (1. 9). 
 
 1. 12. imitter 5tt, on and on. See Sel. 10, note to 1. 21. 
 
 20. Sins' 5u flattens. 
 
 - First appeared in SScrfe, 1815. 
 
 Like eifte$=ritf3 this poem originated in July 18, 1774, but later 
 in the day. Goethe tells of it in 2)id)tung rnib 23ab.rbeit(2Berfe, XXVIII, 
 280) : 2)a 3tuben!en an einen ttwnberltdjen 2Birt8tifd) in $obleng 
 fyabe id) in flnfittefoerfen aufbeiuafyrt. ... 3d) jafc gtuifdjen auater unb 
 33afebon) ; ber erfte belebrte einen frmbgeiftltdjen liber bte ebetmniffe 
 ber Dffenbarung 3>obanni, unb ber anbere bemiibte ftd) bergeben, 
 einem bartnacfigen Sanjmeijler 311 betoeifen, baft bie Saufe ein ber= 
 alteter unb fiir unfere 3eiten gar ntcbt berecbneter ebraucb fei. Unb 
 trie h)ir mm fiirber nacb $bln gogen, fdjrieb id) in irgenb ein Alburn: 
 tlnb, lute nac^ @mmau8, iueiter gtng% etc. 
 
 1- 3- ^>dfcr r refers to Lavater, who was at that time vicar or diaco- 
 nus at the 2$aifenbaufird)e in Zurich. 
 
 1. 4. etlteit fd)ttmr$Clt OU(, see Revelations vi, 5. 
 
 1. 6. auf . . ftrtdj, went straight towards. 
 
 1. 10. Jljcrtnf ol)itri)fCH, theriac was a medicine highly esteemed for 
 many centuries and almost down to our own times. It was an electuary 
 composed of more than three score ingredients and supposed to be an 
 antidote for the poison of animals. 
 
 1. 12. ShlbllSftabt, ^erlentfyor and @tegd (1. 9), see such passages 
 in Revelations as xxi, 16, 21 and v, 2. 
 
 1. 16. $ater, Basedow was almost fifty-one years of age at the time 
 of this journey. He was fond of discoursing against infant baptism. 
 
 1. 27. .fcnhttCH, instead of >abn. 
 
 1. 28. (mmau, see St. Luke xxiv, 13. 
 
 1. 29. Ctft- Ultb $CUerfd)rtttett, the spirit and fire are mentioned 
 together here, as they are in the New Testament. 
 
 21. Safe regnen, nenn e3 rcgnen null. 
 
 First appeared in Hirzel's 53riefe Don oetbe an belrjettfdje ^rennbe, 
 1867. 
 
Sel. 21, 22.] NOTES. 189 
 
 These lines were repeated to Lavater on July 20, 1774, being called 
 forth by the rain and mist which interfered with the pleasure of that day's 
 journey on the Rhine. They are doubtless only Goethe's version of 
 some folk-rime. 
 
 22. 5l 
 
 First appeared in @d)rtf ten, 1 789. 
 
 A copy of this poem, in Goethe's handwriting, is entitled 
 ger $rono8, in ber ^oftrfjaife ben lOten Dftober 1774. The poet 
 Klopstock arrived at Frankfort about the beginning of October on a 
 visit to Goethe, and the latter accompanied his guest a few days later 
 at least part of the way to Karlsruhe. This poem was probably written 
 after Goethe had separated from Klopstock and was returning to 
 Frankfort alone. It represents life as a journey in a stage-coach with 
 Chronos, Time, as coachman. @d)VDager is a humorous term for 
 coachman. This, as well as other odes, gives evidence of Goethe's 
 great admiration for Pindar in these years. 
 
 1. i. ftmbe, instead of jpltte. 
 
 1. 4. JOjJCft, here transitive in the sense of cause (by delay). 
 
 Loathsome dizziness ever, 
 
 When thou delayest, assails me. (Bowring.) 
 
 1. 6. fllctd), even though. 
 
 1. 9. In this stanza the striving and the hope of the ascent are men- 
 tioned; in the next the traveler is on life's hights and has the wide 
 outlook. 
 
 1. 18. aqitbetJOtf, here the same in meaning as afoltunggtoofl, full of 
 presentiments of, divining. 
 
 1. 19. ilbcrbfld), probably the projecting upper story of the inn 
 which is at one side of the road. The maiden is standing at the door 
 of the inn. 
 
 1. 21. ftrifdjuitfl, instead of @rfrifdjung. 
 
 1. 22. be3 SJlrtbdjenS depends upon SBticf, and auf ber @djtt>ette 
 modifies be8 9JMbd)en. 
 
 1. 23. fafoe bid), apparently he says these words to himself and then 
 addresses the maiden with, 2Jir Olid), etc. 
 
 1. 27. @iel), bie OUne fittft! is parenthetical and ($I) r fie fittft 
 
190 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 22, 23. 
 
 modifies 1. 26. The stanza expresses the wish that death may come 
 before the infirmities of old age lay hold of him. 
 
 1. 32. XfttttfltCtt modifies mid), but as it precedes, we expect rather 
 the uninflected form tritnfen. 
 
 1. 33- 9ieif$ Jttirf), here in the sense of bring me quickly. 
 
 1. 36. ofle, that is, Hades, the abode of the departed, where Orcus, 
 god of the lower world, reigns. 
 
 23. (Senbfrfjrei&eit. 
 
 First appeared in 9leiter $erjiid) iiber bic @djaufptetfunfh $it bent 
 g-ranjoftfcfyen. 2ftit einem Slnhang au8 oetfyeS 23rieftafd)e, 1776; 
 taken into SScrfc, 1815. 
 
 This doggerel unites two poetical letters to Merck. Lines I-I2 are 
 the first portion of a letter of December 5, 1774 (the concluding portion 
 of which was made up of the poem now entitled $iinftter Wbenblieb), 
 lines 13-42 are the whole of the letter of December 4, except the 
 opening words, Slieber. 33niber. The difference in origin is shown in 
 the different metrical structure of the two parts. Although they have 
 thus been put together as one poem, there is no very evident connection 
 in meaning between the two portions. 
 
 1. i. SJlettt atte3 (vunnfldium referred in the first place to the con- 
 tents of the poem $iinft(er 2tbenb(ieb, the burden of which is yearning 
 to comprehend nature and to commune with her. It should not be 
 forgotten that Goethe believed for many years that his real vocation 
 was possibly that of the painter. Even after his experiences in Italy 
 had convinced him of his mistake, he retained a warm interest in mat- 
 ters of art and made them his lifelong study. 
 
 1. 5. The gold and wine (which are ber (Sdw^C $(0r of 1. 9) were 
 to give warmth to the picture. At best this stanza remains 
 rather unintelligible, as is shown by the widely differing opinions of 
 commentators concerning its meaning. But it should be remembered 
 that the whole was only a hasty letter. 
 
 1. 10. frtiuiiirmcn, fdjtuarntenb ftd) einbitben. (DUntzer.) 
 
 1. 13. This second part is a clear exposition of Goethe's artistic doc- 
 trine at that time, although his "gospel " of later years was far different. 
 The third stanza deals with the benefits of creative activity as contrasted 
 
Sel. 23, 24.] NOTES. 191 
 
 with criticism (rirf)tet) ; the fourth has to do with communion with na- 
 ture; and the fifth finds all our joys in ourselves and our surroundings 
 and in the knowledge of nature's truths. 
 
 1. 17. ttltfjfcrfctt, show the teeth at, grin angrily at (like a dog). 
 The four lines 17-20 are symbolical of the critic face to face with the 
 work of others (long efottneS unb ebratneS). 
 
 1. 22. ta(j(of)ltcrmaf;tg, like a day-laborer, that is, vigorously. The 
 lines 21-24 set forth in figure the direct and fresh enjoyment of nature. 
 
 1. 32. Banks and Solander accompanied Cook on his voyage around 
 the world and made botanical collections. 
 
 1. 36. The spirit of Achilles spoke to Odysseus (Odyssey XI, 488- 
 491, Palmer's translation) : 
 
 " Mock not at death, glorious Odysseus. Better to be the hire- 
 ling of a stranger, and serve a man of mean estate whose living is but 
 small, than be the ruler over all these dead and gone." 
 
 1. 39- 9WagiW (Sjrdcta, southern Italy, so called because of the many 
 Greek settlements there. 
 
 24, $rometl)eu$. 
 
 First appeared in F. H. Jacobi's liber bic ebre beg ptnoja in 23rte* 
 fen an errn SJiofeS 2ftenbel8john, 1785; taken into @d)riften, 1789. 
 
 The years after the return from Strassburg up to the departure to 
 Weimar were the most tumultuous in Goethe's life. It fairly seethed 
 within him. This is evidenced not only by the utterances of himself 
 and his acquaintances and by his letters of the period, but also by the 
 great themes which he began to treat and either left unfinished or com- 
 pleted in later years. One of these subjects was Prometheus. In 
 1773 he had completed two acts of the drama of this title. This frag- 
 ment was not published until 1830 in the so-called 5In8gabc letter 
 ^>anb, where the ode appears as the beginning and fragment of the 
 third act. It had, however, no real connection with the drama either 
 in origin or in contents. The manuscript of 1773 ended with the second 
 act of the drama, and the ode was of later origin. It belongs to the 
 early part of 1775 or more probably to the latter part of 1774. It was 
 possibly included in the letter to Merck of December 4, 1774. The re- 
 lation of the poem to Goethe's own life is set forth in the fifteenth book 
 of 3Md)tung unb Saftrhett (2Ber!e XXVIII, 3ioff.). 
 
192 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 24, 25. 
 
 1. 6. The thunderbolts of Zeus can not really injure the earth, the 
 abode of Prometheus. 
 
 I. 10. lltt, meaningy?r^, which Prometheus had stolen from heaven 
 and brought down to men, for which deed he was afterwards punished 
 by the gods. 
 
 II. 14-20. These lines express contemptuously the thought that the 
 gods feed on the sacrifices offered by men, and without them would 
 suffer want. 
 
 I. 22. tt)0 fltt ttorf) tittf neither the way in nor out, that is, was igno- 
 rant of life. 
 
 II. 28-36. He had struggled alone against the Titans, had rescued 
 himself from the danger of slavery to them, and then, in his foolish be- 
 lief that the gods had helped, had sent glowing thanks for his rescue up 
 to the sleeping Zeus above. 
 
 11. 42-45. Time and fate, to which the gods are also subject, had 
 fashioned him to a man. 
 
 1. 50. ^littcutriiumc, hopeful dreams, like unopened buds. 
 
 25. 9*eue fiiebe, neueS fieben. 
 
 First appeared in the periodical 3ri, March, 1775; taken into 
 @cf)rifteit, 1789. 
 
 After the stormy, though evanescent, passion for Friederike Brion and 
 the milder affection for Lotte Buff, Goethe seems to have passed through 
 a number of months in which his heart was comparatively untouched by 
 feminine charms. Even the episode with Maximiliane La Roche can 
 not have greatly moved him. But the close of 1774 or the early weeks 
 of 1775 marked the beginning of a new and profound passion. At that 
 time a friend took him to the house of the widowed mother of Lili 
 Schonemann. Goethe tells of the visit in the sixteenth book of 2)td)= 
 tung Uttb SSal)rl)Cit (p. 22 ff.), and the remainder of the autobiography 
 is chiefly filled with the recital of the love-affair of himself and Lili. 
 The hold which the beauty, grace, and social gifts of the young girl had 
 upon Goethe must have been extraordinary. The fire of the passion 
 still glows in the recital in Sttdjtung Hltb SSabrbeit, although about 
 half a century had passed between the days at Frankfort and the writ- 
 ing of the latter part of the autobiography. 
 
Sel. 25-27.] NOTES. 193 
 
 Goethe's love-affairs were wont to run a regular course : first, a season 
 of fervent affection, naturally varying in degree on his part; then a 
 cooling of his ardor and a breaking of intimate relations; thirdly, a 
 season of grief for the loss of the loved one whom he had himself vol- 
 untarily given up; and lastly, the return of peace to his perturbed spi- 
 rit. Such was the course of his relations with Kathchen Schonkopf, 
 with Friederike Brion, and with Lili. In the latter case, however, there 
 entered from the first a struggle against his passion for her. The con- 
 siderations of prudence or wisdom or dislike of the marriage tie, which 
 usually exerted themselves only after the first ardor of his passion had 
 passed, came here into play at once, and made his love for Lili one long 
 struggle with himself, intensified, no doubt, by the knowledge that 
 neither his family nor hers really approved the union of the young 
 people. 
 
 The poem was probably written early in 1775 and shows vividly the 
 mental struggles mentioned above. The same situation is shown hu- 
 morously in StliS ^Sarf, Sel. 30. 
 
 1. i. flcliCH, say, mean. 
 
 1. 6. ttwruitt, relative, depending in sense on atte. 
 
 26, 3u ben Seibeit be3 jungctt 2BertI}er3. 
 
 First appeared in the second edition of Goethe's )te ?eibett be jltn* 
 gen SBerthers, *775; taken into SBerte, 1836. 
 
 These lines were written for the second edition of SBertber. The 
 first stanza did duty as a poetical preface to the first part of the romance, 
 the second stanza serving the same office for the second part. Each, in 
 a way, pointed the moral of the part to which it was prefixed. The first 
 two lines exhibit Werther as the ideal lover, the next two bewail the 
 pain caused him by his hopeless love, while the last stanza warns against 
 his weakness. 
 
 27. STuf bcm (See. 
 
 First appeared in @d)riften, 1789. 
 
 In May, 1775, Goethe began that journey to Switzerland which was, 
 in fact, a flight from Lili in the endeavor to free himself from the at- 
 tractions of her charms. 5tuf bem @ee is an outcome of this journey, 
 
194 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 27-29. 
 
 having been written on the morning of June 15 on Lake Zurich. The 
 rough draft is still preserved in Goethe's diary (agebiid)er, I, 2). 
 
 1. 6. The waves move the boat up and down, keeping time with the 
 beat of the oars. 
 
 I. 7. The mountains about Lake Zurich seem at places, as one ap- 
 proaches them on the water, to be about to block the course of the boat. 
 Hence this graphic use of begegneit. 
 
 II. 9-12. These lines are inspired by the thought of Lili. 
 
 1. 14. @tente, probably referring to the many reflections of the sun 
 in the dancing waves. 
 
 1. 15. trinfett, bold poetic use of the word in the sense of obscure 
 the view of. 
 
 28. 
 
 First appeared in @d)rif ten, 1 789. 
 
 Written on the same day as the preceding poem and following it im- 
 mediately in Goethe's diary of the time. 
 1. 2. 23Utf, with the force of SInbUcf. 
 
 29. $unbeUeb. 
 
 First appeared February, 1776, in Wieland's periodical, )er teittfcfye 
 2fterfur, with the title, 23unbetteb, eincm jungen ^Saare gejungen Don 
 SSicrcn; taken into cfyriften, 1789, with many changes. 
 
 The flight to Switzerland having failed of its purpose, Goethe returned 
 to Frankfort to struggle again with his passion for Lili. The conflict 
 lasted some three months longer and ended with the cessation of all re- 
 lations as lovers in the autumn of 1775. Meanwhile Goethe had, how- 
 ever, passed many happy and unhappy hours with Lili and in the circle 
 of her friends, particularly at Offenbach, which is not far from Frank- 
 fort. Among the friends at Offenbach was Pastor Ewald, whose mar- 
 riage took place on September 10, and whose birthday came on Septem- 
 ber 1 6. For one or other of these events Goethe wrote 23unbeHeb. In 
 2)icf)tung unb SSahrtjcit he states that the birthday called it forth; com- 
 mentators have mostly agreed in thinking that the wedding was the 
 more probable cause. 
 
 As revised for the edition of 1789, it was in many respects a new 
 
Sel. 29, 30.] NOTES. 195 
 
 poem. The former concluding stanza was entirely omitted, and the 
 whole was so completely changed that its original purpose as wedding 
 or birthday song was no longer evident. The song had become gen- 
 eral in its application, fit to be sung at the meetings of any fraternity or 
 society. As such its use was widespread in Germany, even in Goethe's 
 lifetime, and as such it must now be interpreted. Goethe's procedure 
 here was the same as with the revision of others of his poems which 
 had their origin in special occurrences. The changes made them gen- 
 eral and typical instead of local and individual. They were made fit 
 for all times and all men. 
 
 1. 7. entCUert, The received punctuation of the lines requires cr= 
 neitert to be the imperative, addressed to the assembled members. 
 
 1. 15. S3et jebeitt nCUCU S3wtbe may be understood as applying to 
 the admission of new members. 
 
 1. 19. (SJettieftt is the imperative. bte frctC 233cife, that is, the 
 unaffected, natural manners and freedom from restraint of the members 
 of the organization among themselves. 
 
 1. 26. Jttit freicitt i*eben3bli(f f with untrammded vinvs of life. 
 Bowring translates, "with life-discernments free." 
 
 1. 29. flcbriiltflCt, oppressed, annoyed. 
 
 1. 30. fid) Derlttirfett, be destroyed. 
 
 30. i $arf, 
 
 First appeared in djriften, 1789. 
 
 This poem undoubtedly belongs to the months of the relationship 
 with Lili, but the exact date of composition is uncertain. In SHdjtung 
 unb SSa^rljeit (2Berfe, XXIX, 158) Goethe tells of the vexation with 
 which he saw the crowd of admirers about Lili at the time of the 
 Frankfort fair in September, 1775. A few lines further on he states, 
 somewhat uncertainly, that the poem belongs to about this period. 
 Von Loeper and other commentators set it in the spring of 1775, prior 
 to the Swiss journey, on the ground that it would hardly be possible 
 for Goethe to write thus humorously of the matter almost on the eve of 
 the breaking of the engagement with Lili. Nevertheless September 
 seems reasonable. The feelings which he gives to the bear are only 
 humorous reflections of his own state of mind in those days, at one 
 
196 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 30. 
 
 moment joyous, at another despairing, and full at all times of contending 
 desires to possess Lili and to be free. Besides, why should he not be 
 able to see the humorous side of the affair, even if he were about to 
 break his engagement? 
 
 The title ^J3ar! refers to a sort of zoological garden or collection of 
 animals in a park. 
 
 1. 2. mcincr fitli iljre, lit., "my Lili's hers," that of my Lili. 
 
 1. 3. Xicre, these are the ^Sritt-JCtt of 1. 7. The animals are to be 
 regarded as enchanted princes. 
 
 1. 22. (skfrfnuetcje, to say nothing of. a gel)t T 3 an ein $irfen, 
 
 then begins a picking. 
 
 1. 31. $ipi, the call for chickens, and in 1. 67 the chicken itself. 
 
 1. 38. UHflclcrft, unlicked, ungainly. It used to be believed that 
 the bear's cubs were born misshapen and had to be licked into shape. 
 UltflC^OflCU, ill-bred. 
 
 1. 39- 83efrf)luft, enclosure, i.e. the ^arf. 
 
 1. 46. The bystanders take up the word trf) of 1. 44, which he uttered 
 apparently unintentionally, and he is thus compelled to admit that he is 
 the bear. 
 
 1. 48. ftUetfdjnra, geftricfteS ober geftebteS 9*efc. (Strehlke.) 
 
 1. 70. nitfflCftuM, trimmed. It was then the fashion to trim trees 
 into all sorts of fanciful shapes. 
 
 1. 71. !80uUngreen, partly French and partly English for bowling 
 green, meaning here merely the smooth lawn. 
 
 1. 78. blctt , , , lUCber, pulls down like a leaden weight, weighs 
 down. 
 
 1. 79. tyfifelt . , . ttnbcr, pulls back (as with a barbed hook). 
 
 1. 81. tttt gcfUttftcUen $afabeit, artificial cascades. The Oreades, 
 or mountain nymphs of 1. 84 were figures used to ornament the cascades. 
 
 1. 89. UJttrm, ulittcUoU, because he hears her voice. 
 
 1. 97. tdpftg, awkward. 
 
 I. 100. jitffcit, the same as jucfeit. 
 
 II. 110-112. Come now, gently ! {Give me} your paw ! And make 
 your bow like a nice gentleman. 
 
 1. 115. fltf) Utttti'llj tnadjCtt, be overbold. 
 1. 131. bltmpf, oppressive, distressing. 
 
Sel. 31-33.] NOTES. 197 
 
 31. Sftt cm golbtteS 0-5, ba3 cr am alfe trug. 
 
 First appeared in @d)riften, 1789. 
 
 On June 23, 1775, Goethe was on the St. Gothard pass, struggling to 
 decide whether to prolong his journey into Italy or to return to Lili. 
 In this connection he says in S)id)tung Wtb 28af)rfieit (2Ber!e, XXIX, 
 130) : (Sin gofbne ^ergdjen, ba id) in fcijonften tunben Don iljr er= 
 hatten hatte, tying nod) an bemfetben 33anbd)en, an tueldjem fie e um= 
 fnitpfte, lieberttwrmt an meinem atfe. 3d) faftte e nnb fiiftte eg; 
 mag ein baburd) tterantafjteS ieb and) bier eingefdjaltet fetn. This 
 seems to mean that the poem was composed at that time. Commen- 
 tators have, however, generally concluded from the internal evidence of 
 the poem that it must have originated after the engagement had been 
 broken off. This seems to be the more probable supposition. His 
 thoughts still turned to Lili, even in the first weeks at Weimar. 
 
 32. SaerS Weitblieb, 
 
 First appeared January, 1776, in Wieland's >er teiltfdje 9fter!ur with 
 the title, 3tiger ^OC^tUeb; taken into @d)rif,ten, 1789, with changes. 
 
 The time of its composition is unknown, but it seems not improbable 
 that it was written before the end of 1775 and after Goethe's arrival in 
 Weimar, called forth by recollections of Lili and possibly influenced by 
 the poet's participation in the pleasures of the hunt. It may have 
 originated earlier, however, or have reference to some other than Lili. 
 
 As the hunter is roving about in search of game, the image of his 
 beloved one appears to him. This causes him to reflect that she too is 
 possibly strolling about in field and valley at the same hour, and to 
 wonder whether his image also appears to her. The parallelism of the 
 first two stanzas is also shown in ftiK ttttb tt)Ub of 1. I and ftttt ttttb 
 
 milb of 1. 5. 
 
 33. 2(tt fiUi. 
 
 First appeared in 1869 in Hempel's edition of oetbeS 
 
 These lines were written in January or February, 1776, in a copy of 
 
 Goethe's (Stella, sent by him to Lili. In 1866 this copy of @tetta was 
 
 purchased by the grand duchess and is now in the library at Weimar. 
 
198 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 33-35. 
 
 Compare the first four lines of the poem with the first stanza of 
 SlbenbUeb. 
 1. 5. ier, i-e. in tefla. 
 
 34. 
 
 First appeared in Pfenninger's (hriftlid)e Sftagajin, 1780, with the 
 title, Um griebe; taken into @d)riften, 1789. 
 
 The original manuscript, sent as a letter to Frau von Stein and in- 
 tended for her, ends with the words : 5tm >ong beS (Sttergberg, b. 12. 
 gebr. 76. . 
 
 A new and powerful influence had come into Goethe's life. His 
 intimacy with Frau von Stein was in its early stages, and the poet had 
 turned his affections towards her. She was to be for ten years perhaps 
 the most potent influence of his being. It was a strange and unnatural 
 intimacy, which, whether Platonic or not, could not fail in the long run 
 to be hurtful. The poem is a reflection of the unrest which possessed 
 Goethe in the earlier stages of his relations to her. 
 
 35. 28arum gabft bu wtS bic ttcfcn Sltrfe. 
 
 First appeared in Scholl's oethe Sriefc an grau Don @tein, 1848. 
 
 This poem was sent, like the preceding, as a letter to Frau von Stein 
 and was dated, April 14, 1776. The first four lines are the key to the 
 whole : The lament that fate has given them such clear perception of 
 the dangers of the future, if they give themselves up unrestrainedly to 
 their love, that they dare not fully enjoy the present. His letters to 
 her at that time show clearly that he was chafing under the restraint 
 which she required of him, doubtless because she was mindful that she 
 was the wife of another. It is scarcely conceivable that his passion had at 
 that time aroused any answering passion in her, and the poem must be 
 considered merely as the expression of his own feelings. 
 
 1. 4. ttwfyttettb feltfl ttimmer JjiltStttrantt, in blissful delusion never 
 to give ourselves up to, 
 
 1. 9. Here begins the contrast between them and the many thou- 
 sands of others who do not understand their own hearts and who live 
 blindly in the present, sorrowing or rejoicing as the moment bids. 
 
Sel. 35,36.] NOTES. 199 
 
 1. 10. bum^f fid) tret&Cttb, drifting on almost unconsciously. 
 1. 16. tUCti)fc(fcit T jje is explained by the following lines. 
 
 I. 19. auf . . , au^jugeljett, to go out to seek. 
 
 XriUUttflcf rtljl', i.e. the happiness and danger are either as unreal or as 
 transitory as a dream. 
 
 II. 23-24. Unlike the empty dreams and vain divinations of others, 
 what they dream and divine is only too true, confirmed by their every 
 meeting and every glance. 
 
 1. 26. rettt is merely strengthening here; rein geitail, very closely. 
 
 1. 28. Compare with these lines the fragmentary letter to Wieland 
 (SBriefe, III, 51) : 3d) fann mir Me 33ebeutfamfeit bie Sftadjt, bie 
 biefe ^rau iiber mid) bat, anber nidjt erflaren al8 burd) bie @eelen= 
 roanberung. 3a, fair roaren einft SJtonn unb 2Betb ! 9?un roiffen 
 our Don un rjerhiittt, in eifterbuft. 3dj fiabe feine 9?amen fur 
 un bie SBergangenheit bie gufunft ba 2(11. 
 
 1. 32. burdjbringt, i.e. she could easily read his secret thoughts, 
 while others could not fathom him. 
 
 1. 35- ruljte Uttf, rested and was restored. 
 
 \. 38. ucrguufcht, " make pass as if by jugglery," make pass delight- 
 fully. 
 
 \. 46. ttttr ttDdj, i.e. in this present existence. 
 
 36. JKaftlofe Siefce. 
 
 First appeared in c^rif ten, 1 789. 
 
 Herder's copy has date and place, 3ftttenait, ben 6. 9ftai 1776. This 
 fixes the time of composition, which is also confirmed by the fact that 
 snow fell at this time at Ilmenau, as is shown by Goethe's letter of May 
 4 to Karl August. That his passion for Frau von Stein inspired the 
 poem is evident. Its whole burden is the bittersweet of his love for 
 her. Biedermann (oetfte^orfdjwigen, Keiie $?olge, 309) sees in the 
 poem influences of a ballad from Percy's Reliques, Love will jind out the 
 way. 
 
 1. 8. mid) f djlagett, /^ my way. 
 
 1. ii. atte ba3 !Wetgett, all the yearning. (Bowring.) 
 
 1. 12. 4?erCtt is both times singular. 
 
 1. 15. As punctuated here the line reads, How shall I flee ? as if he 
 
200 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 37, 38. 
 
 were asking by what means he might escape. In Herder's copy the 
 line 'is, SBic? @ott id) fliefym ? ("What! Shall I flee?") as if the 
 thought of flight, as he had once before fled to Switzerland from Lili, 
 were at that moment arising in his soul. This latter punctuation has 
 much in its favor. 
 
 1. 2O. iitcfjC, as usual, the abstract, not " the loved one." 
 
 37. ($ittfrf|rattfuttfl. 
 
 First appeared in @d)nften, 1789. 
 
 In its original form this poem was written at Stiitzerbach, near Ilmen- 
 au, on August 3, 1 776, and sent as inclosure in a letter to Lavater about 
 three weeks later. It was then entitled S)em @rf)t(ffal. The version 
 published in @d)ftf ten, 1 789, which is followed here, differed greatly from 
 the original. For example, the fourth and fifth lines formerly ran, 3JMn 
 $arl mib icf) ocrgeffen hier, SSic feltfam itnS etn tiefeS djicffat feitet. 
 The new version omitted all reference to Karl August and made such 
 other changes that it and the original form have little in common after 
 the first three lines, which are nearly the same in both, except the ex- 
 pression of the conviction that fate has great things in store for him in 
 the future. 
 
 1. 8. ba3 redjtC "JJfnf;. He had already experienced the extremes 
 of joy and of sorrow and wished that the future might in all things hit 
 upon the right measure, the golden mean. 
 
 1. 9. What can I do now, except, wrapped in myself (like an un- 
 opened bud), etc. 
 
 38. @cefal)rt. 
 
 First published in the periodical 2)eutfcf)e SRllfeum, September, 
 1777; taken into @d)riften, 1789, with changes. 
 
 Herder's copy is dated September n, 1776. A copy was sent on 
 September 16 of that year to Lavater and also to Merck. Under the 
 figure of a voyage at sea Goethe sets forth his departure from Frankfort 
 and the changing, sometimes stormy, experiences of the first months at 
 Weimar. The haven from which he starts is, of course, Frankfort. He 
 had grown much dissatisfied with his condition and environments there, 
 and always viewed his going to Weimar as a release from surroundings 
 
Sel. 38.] NOTES. 201 
 
 which might have become unendurable. He began his voyage with re- 
 joicing. 
 
 And yet his position at Weimar had its difficulties in those months. 
 He was a sort of storm center of the contrary winds of ducal and social 
 favor and of political and social intrigues directed against him. The 
 affairs of court and state seemed likely to divert him from his life's pur- 
 pose. When he wrote the poem, the outcome was as yet unknown, but 
 he closes with firm confidence in the gods controlling his destiny. A 
 comparison with (Sirtfcfiraitfung is instructive, eefafyrt abounds in 
 bold figures of speech and bold syntactical constructions. 
 
 1. 6. gonneit, "not begrudge," say, wish. 
 
 1. 7. IjofyC, important. 
 
 1. 9. ttiirb bir JHittffe^renbem in itnfern 5lrmen 2iefc T unb $rei3 
 
 (jUteil). For this use of the participle SRiidfefyrenbem see Sel. 22, 
 note to 1. 32. 
 
 1. 12. Clttjautf)3t, here, woke us with shouts of joy. 
 
 1. 15. bluljCH, an unexpected use of the word, referring, of course, 
 to the fact that the sails are swollen by the wind. 
 
 1. 20. lufifyllCUb, imagining that he was to have. 
 
 I. 22. (JOttjjefflhbt, sent of the gods, not the Christian conception of 
 God-sent. 293erf)felttHUbe, changing winds. 
 
 II. 24-26. That is, he tacks. The poet now conceives himself as the 
 boatman, the (Sdjiffer, of 1. 32. 
 
 1. 26. fdjtef, devious, as he is driven out of the direct course. 
 
 1. 27. bltntpf, say, indistinct. In earlier years Goethe was very fond 
 of this word and often used it in ways which defy satisfactory translation 
 into English. 
 
 1. 33- Safle, i.e. the ship. 
 
 1. 36. $eftClt, supply land. The letters of the time to Goethe and 
 from him show the anxiety of his friends for him. 
 
 1. 45. Note the words of his letter of March 6, 1776, to Lavater: 3cf) 
 bin nun ganj etngefdjifft anf ber SBoge ber SSelt tooK entfd)toffen: 
 ^u entbecfen, geannnen, ftretten, fcfjeitern, ober mid) mit after tabling 
 in bic Suft jn fprengen. 
 
202 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 39,40. 
 
 39. offmwg. 
 
 First appeared in @d)riften, 1789. 
 
 The poem is assigned conjecturally to November, 1776, or a little 
 later. In April of that year Goethe took possession of the house and 
 garden on the Ilm, which were presented to him by Karl August. On 
 the first day of the following November he planted linden trees there 
 (agebiid)er, I, 26), and the poem was probably composed then or not 
 long afterwards. While doubtless called forth by his wishes for the 
 growth of the trees, it refers symbolically to his future at Weimar and 
 the successful completion of his work there. 
 
 1. i. <5d|aff r , bring it to pass. He addresses ohe8 Iticf, and bd8 
 Xagirjerf is in apposition to e of 1. 2. 
 
 40. H'icbcbcimrfni*. 
 
 First appeared in @ct)viften, 1789. 
 
 Sent to Frau von Stein, dated November 2, 1776, and with the title, 
 5tn ben eift be8 3ohcmne8 efunbltS. Under this pseudonym were 
 published the Latin poems of the Dutchman Jan Everard (1511-1536). 
 Goethe had become acquainted with these poems a few years before 
 and took up his Basia (kisses} again in the autumn of 1776. The in- 
 fluence of the Dutchman can apparently be traced in several of Goe- 
 the's lyrics and also in 9tomtfd)e (Slegien (for a detailed account of Goe- 
 the's indebtedness to Johannes Secundus see oethe=3ahrbud), XIII, 
 995 C). 
 
 The manners of Weimar society were somewhat lax at that time, and 
 kisses were not hard to obtain. Kissing games were not unknown even 
 at court. Goethe was just then annoyed by chapped lips. In his letter 
 of November 3, he asks Frau von Stein to send him a remedy for them. 
 The poem originally began with the line, ieber, Ijetltger, grower buffer. 
 It was a humorous explanation of the cause of his chapped lips, with 
 none of the sentiment expressed in the new title and in the last two 
 lines as they now exist. In preparing the version for his cfiriften, 
 Goethe omitted all references to Johannes Secundus, made other 
 changes, and cut the poem down to about half its former length. 
 
 1. 2. toer, say, even if some one. 
 
Sel. 41,42.] NOTES. 203 
 
 41. $etger <$eban!ett 
 
 First appeared in f)eater=$dfenber auf bd 3dl)r 1Y78; taken as a 
 separate poem into Sftadjgefaffene SBerte, 1833. 
 
 The lines were written as a part of the play Site, which was given on 
 the birthday of the grand duchess, January 30, 1777. They were there 
 sung by the fairy Sonna. The play was revised, while Goethe was in 
 Italy, and the poem was then assigned to the physician Verazio in the 
 role of Magus, who sings the lines to encourage Lila, who has become 
 temporarily insane over the supposed death of her husband. 
 
 1. 8. Xnti?, instead of 
 
 42. ^arjreifc im 293inter. 
 
 First appeared in @d)riftett, 1789. 
 
 This ode has from the time of its publication caused difficulty to both 
 readers and commentators because of its lack of unity. At first reading 
 it seems to consist of a number of disconnected poems under one title, 
 as if the poet at each stage of his journey had cast into poetical form 
 his experiences and feelings, only to begin with a new theme at the 
 next stage. Nor does further study lead to a conclusion essentially 
 different. While the poem has striking excellences in language and 
 rhythmic movement, in bold thoughts and images, it suffers from lack 
 of unity and occasional obscureness. 
 
 The history of its origin is, however, reasonably clear. Goethe's own 
 account of the poem, as printed in Uber $linft Uttb 3UtertI)Um in 1821, 
 and the testimony of his diary and of his letters to Frau von Stein are 
 the important sources of information about it. 
 
 The peasants about Eisenach complained of the damage done to 
 their crops by the overabundant game, and Karl August therefore 
 determined to undertake a great boar hunt in that region in order to 
 remedy the evil. Goethe was to accompany him, but received per- 
 mission to make a detour to the Harz mountains before joining the 
 hunting party. His reasons for this journey were two. In the first 
 place, he wished to gain some acquaintance with actual mining opera- 
 tions in the Harz mountains, as he and Karl August already had in 
 view the reopening of the mines at Ilmenau. The second reason was 
 
204 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 42. 
 
 his desire to visit a hypochondriac, named Plessing, who lived at Wer- 
 nigerode and who had written to beseech his aid and advice. Doubt- 
 less the attractions of the slightly dangerous journey and the prospect 
 of a few days' relief from business responsibilities and the sometimes 
 wearisome occupation as mentor and intimate friend of Karl August 
 were not without their influence. 
 
 He set out from Weimar on horseback, under an assumed name, on 
 November 29, 1777, visited Plessing, inspected mines, ascended the 
 Brocken on December 10, and joined Karl August at Eisenach a few 
 days later. His diary shows that the poem was begun on December I. 
 Portions were probably written on different days, but the latter part 
 could not have been composed before the ascent of the Brocken. The 
 actual completion of the poem may have been deferred to the latter 
 part of December after the return to Weimar. 
 
 1. 6. After the introductory words of the first five lines, Goethe pro- 
 ceeds to treat of the two classes of mankind represented by $)er (SHurf= 
 HcfjC of 1. 9 and by 2Bem aber llnnlitrf, etc., of 1. 12. 
 
 I. 17. bie bodj bittere (Sdjere, referring to the cutting of the thread 
 of existence by the Fates. The phrase bie bod) bittere shows that the 
 unfortunate fear death, even though they are unhappy in life. 
 
 II. 19-23 are an aside. $>i(firf)t!=8djatter, say, awesome thicket. 
 
 I. 23. <3iitttpfe, seemingly the cities as the abode of the rich. 
 
 II. 24-28, referring again to the fortunate. JyortlUtn, the goddess of 
 fortune. 
 
 11. 29-50, referring again to the unfortunate, doubtless called forth 
 by thoughts of Plessing. dbfcitS, that is, off the road on which the 
 chariot of Fortuna goes. 
 
 1. 36. of him with whom the balsam (of love} has turned to the poison 
 (of hate). The idea is carried out further in the following lines. A 
 man full of love for others has felt himself met coldly and disdainfully, 
 and his love has therefore turned to hatred of mankind. Hence tier* 
 ad)tet and SSeradjter of 1. 39. 
 
 I. 42. <SeIbftfHtf)t, not selfishness, but rather undue self-introspection, 
 "brooding over himself." (Dwight.) 
 
 II. 51-59, referring to the hunting party, which he was soon to join, 
 and to former attempts of the peasants to prevent the ravages of the 
 wild animals. 
 
Sel. 42,43.] NOTES. 205 
 
 I. 60. From here to 1. 82 the poem deals with the poet himself. 
 
 II. 66-81 refer to the various stages of the journey, culminating in 
 the ascent of the Brocken. 'JitC bfinttttcrubc ^furfel is the moon. 
 
 1. 73. fcetjettbeit, say, cutting. 
 
 1. 75. That is, the noise of the falling water mingles with his psalms. 
 
 1. 77. 3Htar, In the evening after his descent from the mountain 
 Goethe wrote in a letter to Frau von Stein : 3d) tt>ar obcn fjeitt Uttb 
 babe auf bem SeufelSaltar meinem ott ben liebften 3)an! geopfert. 
 The Brocken is famed in German song and story as the meeting place 
 of witches, etc. Notice the name eufef3ultar in the passage just 
 quoted and eiftemiljett in 1. 80. 
 
 1. 81. rtljltCltbc, because the existence of higher powers was dimly 
 felt. 
 
 1. 82. ^)U is addressed to the Brocken. This mountain contains no 
 mineral wealth and is therefore without mines; hence, Utterforfdjt. 
 
 I. 83. That is, full of mystery and yet entirely visible. 
 
 II. 84-86, suggested by Matthew iv, 8. 
 
 1. 88. ttwfjerft. The veins of metal in the brothers of the Brocken 
 help to sustain "the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them." 
 
 43. 5(tt ben 2Konb. 
 
 First published in @d)riften, 1789. 
 
 A copy of the first version of the poem, set to music by von Secken- 
 dorff, was sent to Frau von Stein, apparently as an inclosure in a letter. 
 But when? The date can not be certainly established, but a not un- 
 reasonable supposition connects the origin of the poem with the suicide 
 of Christiane von Lassberg, who drowned herself in the Urn on January 
 1 6, 1778. Goethe was supposed to refer to this event in an obscure 
 passage of the first version of the poem. At some time before the 
 Italian journey Goethe revised the lines and made of them an essentially 
 new poem. 
 
 In the present version the poet is represented as strolling alone in the 
 moonlight which awakens memories of past joys and sorrows. The noise 
 of the running water (fourth stanza) reminds him of a faithless sweet- 
 heart, but at the same time it awakens in him (sixth stanza) new songs, 
 so that he can consider himself blest (eigth stanza) in being able to 
 
206 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 43-45. 
 
 separate himself from the world without hating it and in having a friend 
 who shares the thoughts and feelings which come at night. The poem 
 has been extravagantly praised for the wonderful beauty and melodious 
 flow of its words, but it is nevertheless faulty. Whatever of unity it 
 possesses must be read into it; the transitions in thought are not merely 
 unexpected but are totally without justification in anything that goes 
 before them. 
 
 1. 3- lofeit, set free. 
 
 1. 5- efUb, say, demesne. 
 
 1. 17. The possession of which he speaks is the love of some maiden. 
 Did he mean Lili Schonemann? 
 
 44. rabfd)Hft. 
 
 First appeared in Urania, Xafdjertbudj auf bag 3>ahr 1839. 
 
 These lines formed part of a letter of March 17, 1778 to Auguste 
 Gra'fin zu Stolberg, whose brothers were with him during most of the 
 Swiss journey of 1775. The letter of which the poem is a part, gives 
 no explanation of the time of its origin nor of the reason for it. Von 
 Loeper believed that it originated in the poet's fear that he would die 
 young. 
 
 1. 5. ol)itl)etriil)t f instead of unbctriibt. 
 
 45. $>er ftiffier. 
 
 First appeared in von Seckendorff's $Bolf8= llttb Oltbcre iebev in the 
 spring of 1779; taken into @d)rtften, 1789. 
 
 Nothing more than is revealed by the time of publication is certainly 
 known with regard to its origin, but it is commonly regarded as a product 
 of the year 1778. The attractive power of water, represented here by 
 the mermaid, is not an uncommon theme in poetry. 
 
 1. 3. \Mltfld, here masculine, generally feminine. 
 
 1. 6. The waters divided as they rose. 
 
 1. 12. Xobedgtltt, probably referring to the air, in which the fish 
 must die. 
 
 1. 13. $tfd)leitt is dative. 
 
 1. 14. ritltb, bottom. 
 
Sel.45, 46.] NOTES. 207 
 
 17. Sfltttte, that is, when setting. 
 
 21. ^Httttttel, referring to the reflection of the sky in the water. 
 
 . 22. f cud) tUCl'f (lift, transfigured, or made doubly beautiful by the 
 water. 
 
 27. ltwrf)3, here, swelled. 
 
 30. um ifjlt gefdjefyen, all over with him. 
 
 46. efiwg bcr ciftcr itfcer ben SBaffent. 
 
 First appeared in @d)rtftert, 1789. 
 
 In the autumn of 1 779, Goethe, in company with Karl August, made 
 a journey of some three month's duration into Switzerland by way of 
 Frankfort. At this time he saw Friederike Brion again and felt himself 
 forgiven, and found Lili Schonemann in her new home, as wife and 
 mother, (Sefortg bcr etfter is one of the poetical fruits of the journey. 
 On October 9 he visited the toitbbad), the famous waterfall near 
 Lauterbrunnen, and inclosed the poem in the letter to Frau von Stein 
 of October 14. It was called forth by the waterfall and was probably 
 written on the first day of his visit there or on the next. 
 
 The interpretation of the poem is made easier by a consideration of 
 the form in which it was sent to Frau von Stein. There the song is 
 sung in alternate strophes of irregular length by two spirits. The first 
 sings lines 1-4, 8-17, 23,24, 28,29, 3 2 > 33 the other lines being as- 
 signed to the second spirit. 
 
 In the present version the first seven lines refer to the rising of 
 the water to the heavens in consequence of evaporation and of its 
 return to earth in the form of rain. Lines 8-17 describe the tailb* 
 Bod). The water there falls a distance of about nine hundred feet, but 
 it is turned into spray and mist before it reaches the bottom. The 
 second spirit was originally supposed to sing lines 18-22. They de- 
 scribe a very different waterfall, or rather the rapids of some stream. 
 Lines 23-27 follow the course of the stream through the plain after its 
 mad tumble from the hills. We see it emptying or gradually widening 
 into a lake, the waters of which are stirred up from the bottom by the 
 wind (11. 28-31). The whole is a parallel between the constant move- 
 ment of the water and human fate. 
 
 1. 10. @trfll)f, referring to the water. 
 
208 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 46-48. 
 
 1. 18. racjCtt , . . Ctttgegett, cliffs project to meet the plunge, i.e. the 
 stream plunges over cliffs. 
 
 1. 21. ftltfCtttoeife, in steps, i.e. in rapids. 
 
 47. @8 ttwr ein faufer @rf)afer. 
 
 First appeared in 3ert) Itnb SBdtett), ein ingfptel, 1780; taken as a 
 separate poem into 9?ad)gelaffene SBerfe, 1833. 
 
 The poem forms a part of 3ert) Itnb 33atelty which was begun in the 
 latter part of the Swiss journey of 1779 and completed by the end of 
 the year. The lines were sung by Thomas to his friend in ridicule of 
 the latter's lovesick condition. 
 
 1. 2. <Sie&eitfrf)lafcr, because he slept as soundly as one of the 
 seven sleepers of Ephesus, who, to escape from religious persecution, 
 took refuge in a cave and slept there nearly two hundred years. 
 
 1. 4. fflffcit, here, completely captivate. 
 
 48. SBanbrerS 9*arf)tlieb. 
 
 First appeared in 2Berfe, 1815. 
 
 On September 6, 1780, Goethe was at a shooting box on the summit 
 of the Gickelhahn, the highest elevation in the neighborhood of Ilme- 
 nau, and spent the night there. This night or the next morning he 
 wrote in pencil on the inner wall of the upper story of the house these 
 lines. The house was burned down in 1870. By some the poem is 
 assigned to September, 1783, at which time also Goethe was at the 
 shooting box. The earlier date seems the more probable on careful 
 weighing of the evidence for both. 
 
 At the first writing the poem was not the expression of a desire for 
 rest in the grave or for peace in the life beyond. Shortly before the 
 close of his life Goethe did, however, give it this application with 
 reference to himself. He visited the house on August 27, 1831, in 
 company with inspector Mahr. He climbed the stairs to the upper 
 room, found the poem, and in the words of Mahr: oetbe 
 bicjc toemgen SBerfc, mtb X&rcinen ftoffen iiber feine SBaiigen. 
 langfam jog er fcin jdjneetueifteg afd)entud) oiiS feinem bunfelbrauncn 
 Svtdjrocf, trocfnete fid) bie Xhronen unb tyracf) in fanftem, toehmiittgem 
 
Sel. 48-51.] NOTES. 209 
 
 on: ,,3a: toarte nur, batbe rufyeft bit aud)!" (Biedermann's oetfyeS 
 eftrcidje, VIII, 108). 
 
 49. Sttt fiiba. 
 
 First published in djrtften, 1789. 
 
 This was an undated letter to Frau von Stein, written from Gotha 
 and assigned by Fielitz to the first days of October, 1781. The original 
 text has Lotte in 1. I instead of Lida, but is otherwise identical in word- 
 ing with the form given here. 
 
 1. 10. Fielitz remarks: )aJ3 (Snbe eptember 1781 in 9Jttttetbeutfdj= 
 Icmb etn 9?orbUd)t ftdjtbar getoefen, l)at $. oebefc crmtttelt. 
 
 50. (grtfmug. 
 
 First appeared in 3)ic giifdjerin, ein ingtyief, 1782; taken as a 
 separate poem into @d)rtften, 1789. 
 
 Included as a song in 3)ie ^tjdjevitt, which was first represented at 
 Tiefurt, one of the ducal country seats, on July 22, 1782. Nothing 
 more can be said with certainty concerning the origin of 3)te ^ifcfjerin 
 or of the poem, although many conjectures have been made. A ballad, 
 (rlfouig$ od)ter, translated from the Danish, appeared in Herder's 
 35otMieber and seems to have suggested the title and the outline of the 
 theme of Goethe's poem. By (SrUontg is meant the king of the elves. 
 
 1. 3. ttoljl, i.e. securely, snugly clasped. 
 
 1. 7. @rf)tt)eif f train (of his long mantel). 
 1. 18. UWVtcit, wait on, care for. 
 
 1. 19. Ofietljlt, dance. 
 
 1. 20. eilt (modifying here rotegeit, tonjen and jingen), to sleep. 
 
 1. 32. 4p0f f here, (farm} house. 
 
 51. 5>aS ottdje. 
 
 First appeared in F. H. Jacobi's liber bte e&re bc0 @|rino;$a, 1785; 
 taken into @d)rtfteit, 1789. 
 
 The poem was in existence towards the end of 1783, being included 
 at that time in the so-called Sicflirtcr 3oumat, a manuscript literary 
 journal circulating in the court circle of Weimar. Nothing more is 
 
210 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 51, 52. 
 
 positively known of the time or occasion of its origin, although Suphan 
 has advanced the opinion that Herder's copy dates from 1781 (octt)C= 
 3al)rbudj, II, 112). 
 
 I. 5. The SBefCtt, bit ttJtr fettlteit, are contrasted with the SBcfcit, 
 bte ton* aljltcit of 1. 8. By the latter is meant the gods. Goethe often 
 says gods, however, when he really means God, and probably so here. 
 
 II. n, 12. Underlying these two lines is the thought that our con- 
 ceptions of the gods (or God) are all based on characteristics which we 
 see in good and noble men. Therefore the example of such a man 
 leads us to believe in them. 
 
 1. 13. ttttfittylettb, not "harsh" or "cruel," but without feeling, be- 
 cause alike to all. The thought that all of nature's operations are for 
 the evil as well as the good is amplified in the next lines. 
 
 1. 26. Fortune too bestows her favors on the worthy and the un- 
 worthy. 
 
 1. 32. efjrncil, brazen, because unchangeable and unbreakable. 
 Notice be8 ehernen gabenS, Sel. 42, 1. 16. 
 
 1- 35- UttfereS 'JJafeinS ftreife, the circuit of our existence. (Bow- 
 ring.) 
 
 1. 38. fca3 UttmogUdjC, i.e. man differs from the forces of nature, 
 etc., in that he can discriminate between the good and the evil. 
 
 I. 47. 2ll(e3 , . . tJCrbiltbctt, all that wanders and strays can use- 
 fully blend. (Bo wring.) 
 
 II. 49-54. These lines amplify the thought already expressed in 11. 
 
 II, 12. 
 
 1. 52. im grofteit, on a large scale. 
 
 52. $er (Sangcr, 
 
 First appeared in Goethe's novel, 2Btlbetm 2Jteifter ebrjahre, 1795; 
 taken as a separate poem into -fteue @djriften, 1800, with changes. 
 
 This ballad is found in the eleventh chapter of the second book of 
 SBithelm 2Mfkrg ^ebrja&re. Goethe finished this portion of the novel 
 in 1 783. The ballad may be of earlier origin. In the novel it is sung 
 by the harper, the mystery of whose life and sorrows remains so long 
 unexplained. He was brought into Wilhelm's presence by the landlord 
 of the inn. After describing the effect of one of his songs the novel 
 proceeds : 
 
Sel. 52-54.] NOTES. 211 
 
 $cmm batte er geenbigt, al tbm SBitbelm jurtef: 2Ber bu and) fetft, 
 ber bu, at ein fjtlfretcfjer @rf)ugeift, mit enter fegnenben unb bele* 
 benben ttmtne ju nn fommft, nimm meine 35ereljrung unb nietnen 
 S)anf ! fiihle, baft ttrir aHe bid) benmnbern, unb oertrau' un8, toenn bu 
 etft>a bebarfft. 
 
 >er 5IIte fcfjlDteg, Iteft erft feiue ^ n 9 er i^ er bit @aitcn fcfjteic^eu, 
 bann griff er fie ftcirler ait unb fang. 
 
 Then followed the ballad. 
 
 1. i. The king hears the minstrel singing outside on the drawbridge 
 and speaks lines 1-4. The page goes as commanded and returns with 
 the information to the king, who speaks line 7. 
 
 1. 8. The minstrel speaks the whole of this stanza. 
 
 1. 17. brettt, on. 
 
 1. 22. The last three stanzas, with the exception of line 36, are 
 spoken by the minstrel. 
 
 53. $>er ^arfeufoteler. 
 
 First appeared in SBUbetm 2Mfter Sebrjafyre, 1795; taken as sepa- 
 rate poem into SBerfe, 1815. 
 
 These lines are found in the thirteenth chapter of the second book of 
 28iH)etm 9fteifter8 ^efyrjafyre. The facts known about its origin are the 
 same as for 2>er finger. It was sung by the harper at Wilhelm's re- 
 quest : (Singe mtr, rt)a bu rtnttft, ttmS gu beiner age pafct, nnb tljne 
 nnr, a( ob id) gar iiidjt fjier toa're. (8 fdjeint ntir, a(8 ob bu Ijeute 
 ntrf)t trren fonnteft. 3d) ftnbe bt(^ fef)r glucfttc^, baft bu bid) in ber 
 (Sinfamfeit fo angenel)tn befc^afttgen unb unterbalten fannft, unb ba bu 
 liberal! ein ^rembting btft, in beinem >eren bte angenefjmfte 33elannt 
 fdjaft ftnbeft. 
 
 1. 8. tttt^t afletlt, i.e. Oltat or ^etn will be with him. 
 
 54. SerfeHie. 
 
 Dates of publication the same as for Sel. 53. 
 
 Also to be found in the thirteenth chapter of the second book of 
 SBUbelm 9fteifter3 ef)rjaf)re, where it precedes Sel. 53. The facts 
 known about its origin have already been mentioned in the notes to 
 
212 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 54, 55. 
 
 Sel. 53. Wilhelm was about to make a visit to the harper, and as he 
 stood outside his door, he heard him sing this song. It is a complaint 
 against the heavenly powers for having allowed him unwittingly and in all 
 innocence to commit evil (as is explained later in the novel) and for 
 having then left him to his suffering. 
 
 55. 3fosenau. 
 
 First appeared in S&erfe, 1815. 
 
 In his letter of August 30, 1783, Goethe told Frau von Stein that he 
 purposed to prepare a poem for the birthday of Karl August, which 
 came on September 3. He passed thereupon a few days in Ilmenau 
 and wrote this poem. It does honor to Goethe both as a man and a 
 poet, and reveals the essential nobility of character of the ruler who 
 could remain the friend of the author of such lines. 
 
 Goethe's relations with the duke before his Italian journey have often 
 been understood in two radically different ways. On the one hand he 
 has been considered a court parasite, an ignoble flatterer, a commoner 
 seeking to curry favor with the great. This view has been more often 
 held outside of his native land than in it, although not unknown there. 
 On the other hand, and particularly in Germany, where a sort of Goethe 
 cult rages, he has been extolled as a great political power in Weimar, 
 and all the good qualities of Karl August are claimed to be of his mak- 
 ing. Both views seem to be incorrect. 
 
 It is difficult to believe that Goethe's presence at Weimar made any 
 essential difference in the fortunes of the little duchy. Politically the 
 land was so petty that imperative circumstances, even more than Goe- 
 the's influence, prevented Karl August from playing much of a role in 
 the larger politics of Germany. He was therefore chiefly shut up to the 
 internal development of the duchy. Goethe doubtless did well such 
 administrative work as was intrusted to him, but again the smallness o'f 
 the land made it possible for any one of fair abilities to do the work 
 well enough. Goethe had lofty views of the office of ruler and may- 
 have influenced Karl August greatly by them, but they were not origi- 
 nal, and it is therefore unnecessary to conclude that the political opinions 
 of the duke were largely his creation. 
 
 Soon after his arrival at Weimar he certainly did begin to look upon 
 
Sel. 55.] NOTES. 213 
 
 himself as the guide and, in a sense, the teacher of the duke, who was 
 eight years his junior and only a boy. After a time he certainly did re- 
 strain him in many of his excesses. His self-imposed task had its fre- 
 quent discouragements. How far this social and moral influence ex- 
 tended is hard to estimate, but it doubtless helped to form the character 
 of the youthful duke and redounds to Goethe's honor. On the other 
 hand, Weimar and the duke did much to help and form Goethe, but 
 these influences need not be mentioned here. Much of this relationship 
 is found reflected in the poem. 
 
 1. i. The region round about Ilmenau was well known to Goethe 
 from frequent visits there. 
 
 1. 8. (grlja&ener 23erg, he means the (SHdel&ahn. See notes to Sel. 
 
 48. 
 
 1. 1 1 . I as well as others have deserved this of you. 
 
 1. 12. forge ftiff, referring to the plans to reopen the mines at Il- 
 menau. See notes to Sel. 42. 
 
 1. 16. 295Ub,-see notes to Sel. 42. 
 
 1. 17. Jitutype, miner. 
 
 1. 21. Xrfittttte* This means that his request in the two lines pre- 
 ceding has been granted. 
 
 1. 23. Ittir ttrieber felfeft, von Loeper and others supply gcgcBen, 
 which is apparently what Goethe meant. Strehlke and others make 
 ntir depend on fern, meaning that he is far from his present self, lost in 
 memory of other days. 
 
 1. 28. We are to understand that imagined darkness settles down 
 upon him and that he sees in vision the camp of hunters described in 
 the following stanzas. In later years he described to Eckermann at 
 length the camp which he had in mind. (Oefprcicfye, III, 183.) 
 
 1. 47. He refers to the legend of er luttbe 3oger. The term 
 ttnlbe 3togb is applied to a tumult in the air at night, supposed to be 
 caused by a ghostly crew on a wild midnight hunting expedition. 
 
 1.51. $gt)ptter, gypsies. 
 
 1. 52. He refers to the prince and his followers in the forest of Arden. 
 See Shakespeare's As you like it. 
 
 1. 53- ttetfdjhtltgeiten riiltbett, literally, interlaced vales. The 
 camp was at the foot of a cliff. It must have been at a comparatively 
 level spot formed by the common meeting-place of the openings of sev- 
 eral ravines. 
 
214 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 55. 
 
 1. 59. Goethe told Eckermann that he here meant von Knebel, and 
 in 1. 69 von Seckendorff. 
 
 1. 60. twdjlaffig ftarf, trofe feiner tcirlc nadjlaf jig. britrft, etn* 
 3te&t, egenfa gu erhebt. (Diintzer.) 
 ' 1. 65. trorfctt, referring to his dry jokes. 
 
 1. 68. bar bar if rf) &ttttt, in barbarous mixture. 
 
 I. 71. feittgeftalt, instead of feingeftaltet. 
 
 II. 74-76. As if von Seckendorff were soaring on high in intellectual 
 flight and singing a song of his own concerning the dance of the 
 spheres. 
 
 72. efftotifrf) faitl, in ecstatic laziness. 
 
 79. 3itug(tHg. Karl August was only eighteen when Goethe 
 first went to Weimar. 
 
 . 86. The poet here addresses his former self. 
 
 . 89. auf , . . ftebadjt, to have something important in mind. 
 
 99. and held firmly by friendship' 's spell. 
 11. 108-111. He here passes judgment upon some of his earlier 
 achievements. The condemnation is perhaps too severe, but Goethe had 
 entered into a new phase of life, and it was ever his wont to criticise 
 harshly modes of thought which he had outgrown or laid aside. 
 
 1. 112. Referring to o and possibly to others of his early works. 
 1. 117. In this inability to comport himself as he should, he probably 
 refers to the impetuosity and lack of regard for conventions which 
 marked his conduct in the first years at Weimar as well as at Frankfort. 
 1. 1 20. The following lines have reference, of course, to the duke as 
 he was in the earlier period. 
 
 1. 123. Cttge3 Sdjtrffnl, i.e. fate restricted him to the narrow life of 
 a ruler. As duke, he was not so free as other men to develop in his 
 own way. 
 
 1. 125. The vagaries of the young duke often led Goethe to com- 
 plain, although he recognized the underlying nobility of his character. 
 
 I. 126. A favorite idea with Goethe, that only what we conquer for 
 ourselves by our own efforts, though it may have been in our possession 
 before, becomes really ours. 
 
 II. 140-151. The duke was in those years prone to go to extremes. 
 No physical risk was too great for him. His undue exertion often led 
 to complete exhaustion of body and soul. 
 
Sel. 55,56.] NOTES. 215 
 
 1. 154. XrnuiU, Evidently Goethe does not mean the same thing 
 by this word here and in each of the two lines following. Here it is 
 perhaps contrasted with fyalb erlt)ad)t, merely in the sense of "half 
 asleep," but it more probably means, half lost in gloomy brooding. In 
 the next line it seems to refer to the anxiety of the young Goethe con- 
 cerning the future of the duke. 
 
 1. 156. With these words the poet bids the vision disappear and he 
 returns to the then present, the year 1783. fdttttt means here, of 
 course, only the vision. 
 
 1. 164. (SJeftdjt, -vision. 
 
 1. 166. He is now like a traveler who returns from foreign lands and 
 recognizes the advantages of his own country. 
 
 1. 173. UCrlU'OrfjUCU, broken down. The mines at Ilmenau, which 
 had been closed for many years, were opened again in the next year, but 
 proved eventually unprofitable. This portion of Goethe's prophecy was 
 therefore not actually fulfilled. 
 
 1. 179. See note to 1. 123. 
 
 56. 3ttet0mmg. 
 
 The poem was written at Dingelstedt on August 8, 1784. Goethe 
 was then on his way to the Harz mountains and Brunswick, and being 
 detained at Dingelstedt by an accident to the carriage, made use of the 
 enforced leisure to write the poem. (See letter to Herder of August 8, 
 1784.) The stanzas were originally intended to be the introduction to 
 a long poem, )ie ef)eimniffe, which, however, remained unfinished. 
 The 3uetgnung was first published in @d)riften, 1787, as an introduc- 
 tion to the works of Goethe; in the edition of 1806 it was taken from 
 this place and printed as part of 2)ie eheimniffe; in 1815 it was, how- 
 ever, restored to its position as introduction to the collected works, where 
 it has since remained. As such an introduction it must be interpreted, 
 the poet's own conception of his mission. 
 
 The words, SSie ber -ftebel ftet, bacfyte id) an ben 2lnfang meine8 e= 
 bid)t. 5)ie Sbce baju babe id) bier im f)ate gefunben, which occur in 
 Goethe's letter of December 12, 1785, written to Frau von Stein from 
 Jena, are generally regarded as referring to ^lietgnung. Accordingly 
 the final impulse from which the poetic image arose, was given by the 
 
216 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 56, 57. 
 
 sight of the dissolving mist in the valley of the Saale near Jena. It was 
 not, however, the first time that such a scene had impressed him. He 
 had observed the mist from his artenf)aud)en at Weimar, and as early 
 as 1776 he had made a drawing of a similar scene at Ilmenau. An- 
 other illustration of the manner in which the memory of some natural 
 scene or of some simple occurrence would on fitting occasion be trans- 
 muted by Goethe into some poetic image. (Blume.) 
 
 1. 3- (W3 meilter ftiflett ittte, the scene is entirely indeterminate, 
 and his garden did not lie upon a real hill, but without too much vio- 
 lence to the facts we may imagine Goethe as going out from his artett- 
 JjailScfjen at the outskirts of Weimar, ascending the slight elevation in 
 the rear of it, and looking across the fields in front of the house towards 
 the little river Ilm (fflllft ber SBiejen, 1. 9). 
 
 1. 13. S3ltef3 = SfobUdfe. 
 
 1. 21. U)r refers to @omie. 
 
 1. 23. tattge tttrfjt, far from. 
 
 1. 38. fcft Itltb fcfter. Such constructions are common with Goethe. 
 eft is not to be regarded as the positive, but both words are meant to 
 be comparatives, with the same sense as tmmcr fefter. 
 
 1. 58. Cllrf), you men, btt of the next line applying directly to the 
 poet. 
 
 1. 60. JttHbcrU)iUcn, childish impulses. 
 
 1. 61. Ubermeufdj, i.e. so much superior to other men. 
 
 1. 70. vJSfltltb, here, talent, as in the Biblical parable. 
 
 1. 97. The whole stanza expresses in various ways the thought that 
 this veil of poesy can transform pain and sorrow into comfort and joy. 
 
 1. 101. 228el)eit, the infinitive of irjehen, "blow," used as a noun: 
 here in the sense of storm, commotion, tumult. 
 
 1. 105. The last stanza is addressed by the poet to his friends, in- 
 viting them to join with him in times both of joy and of sorrow. 
 
 1. 106. fdjwer itnb ftfytoerer, see note to 1. 38. 
 
 57. amgtum. 
 
 First appeared in S&itydm 2fteifter$ ehrjahre, 1795; taken into 
 SBerfe, 1815, as a separate poem. 
 
 It stands at the beginning of the third book of SBilbetm 9Jfeifter. 
 
Sel. 57-59.] NOTES. 217 
 
 Herder's copy seems to date from 1785 or 1786, and as the composition 
 of that part of the novel belongs to 1784, the poem is probably to be 
 assigned to the same year, although it may be somewhat older. In it 
 Mignon, the little Italian girl who had been stolen by a band of rope- 
 dancers, and whom Wilhelm had rescued and adopted, pours forth her 
 longing for her native land, and in the varying words of the refrain @C= 
 ftebter, Sefcfyiit^er, SBater, expresses somewhat of the different emotions 
 which we find moving her in the course of the novel. 
 
 1. 5. $eitttft btt e ftofyl, probably a rhetorical question, meaning, 
 surely thou knoTvest it. 
 
 1. 7. ^)fltt f an Italian country house where she had played as a 
 child. 
 
 1. 13. S3er<J, referring to the journey over the Alps. 
 
 1. ijR. ($ ftiirjt, i.e. the cliff is precipitous and the stream plunges 
 over it. 
 
 58. Siefelfce. 
 
 History of publication the same as for Sel. 57. 
 
 It stands at the end of the fifth book of SBilfyelm 2ftetfter and has no 
 connection with the narrative preceding. There is no proof of an origin 
 before 1795, but it may be conjecturally assigned to a much earlier 
 period, the year 1785. 
 
 We may understand that Mignon recited the lines to Wilhelm, fear- 
 ing that in his heart he reproached her for her refusal to explain the 
 secret of her past life, and that she kept silence because a vow made to 
 the Virgin Mary sealed her lips. All human beings, as well as every- 
 thing in nature, are free to reveal their secrets, but her vow keeps her 
 silent. 
 
 59. $iefette. 
 
 History of publication the same as for Sel. 57. 
 
 This poem may also be assigned conjecturally to the year 1785, but 
 with more evidence than in the case of Sel. 58. On June 20, 1785, 
 Goethe wrote to Frau von Stein : >ierbei cm Stebcfjen Don 3Rignon. 
 . . . (Sin ieb, ba HUH aud) metn tft. It is believed that he meant this 
 poem. His letter of June 27 to her ends with the words: 9W), ft)er bte 
 @el)njud)t fennt ! The song stands at the end of the eleventh chapter 
 
218 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 59,60. 
 
 of the fourth book of SBUfjetm 9ftetfter8 Eefyrjaljre and is preceded by 
 the words: (gr berfiel in eine trcinmenbe eljnfudjt, unb twe etn= 
 ftimmenb ntit feinen (Smpfinbungen tear ba ieb, ba eben in biefer 
 @tnnbe 2fttgnon unb ber arfner alS ein unregetmaftigeS S)uett ntit 
 bem herjUcftften $ubrnrfe fangen. 
 
 60, $em 5lrfermatttt. 
 
 First appeared in djriften, 1789; taken with changes into SSerfe, 
 1815, as explained below. 
 
 The lines belong at the latest to 1785, and were probably written in 
 imitation of a Greek epigram translated into German by Herder with 
 the title, 3)a8 rab beg anbmann (Duntzer). The edition of 1815 
 introduced into the collected works the new subdivision, ^nttfer $01*111 
 jtdj Itahernb, in which this poem in its present form was given a place. 
 
 It is one of those poems of Goethe which show the marks of Greek 
 or Latin influence. The traces of classic influence go back to the first 
 days of his literary activity. His liking for the ancients finds expression 
 early. His admiration for Homer, for example, is set forth at length in 
 SBertber. In all this Goethe was the child of his times, a participant 
 in a general European movement. (See notes to Sel. 14 and 22.) 
 With his intellectual growth, with the throwing off of the literary law- 
 lessness of his early period, with the keener enjoyment of perfection of 
 form, there came increased appreciation of the classic spirit. It was 
 natural that such appreciation should affect both content and form of 
 his poems. 
 
 This movement of Goethe towards the antique received vigorous im- 
 pulse early in the eighties and culminated in the days of his Italian 
 journey and in the period immediately after his return to Weimar. It 
 is more evident in other fields of his literary activity than in his poems, 
 though visible enough there. It was probably the inevitable mode of 
 development conditioned by Goethe's intellectual constitution, but in 
 its extreme phase it was a positive injury to his effectiveness as a modern 
 poet. To most readers , however cultured and sympathetic, the poems 
 which show strongest this classic influence in content and form are 
 among the least profitable and enjoyable. The reason is not far to seek. 
 Goethe was, after all, intensely modern, and to say nothing of the 
 
Sel. 60-62.] NOTES. 219 
 
 content, he never learned to use antique forms in German verse with the 
 naturalness and effectiveness which characterize his better poems in 
 modern form. 
 
 61. $erfrfjtebene Gcmjjftttbttttgett ait cittern 
 
 First appeared in Schiller's 2ftufenalmcmad) oilf ba 3al)r 1796 ; 
 taken into Sfteue @d)riftett, 1800. 
 
 This poem consists of four songs from the first act of 3Me iingfeidjett 
 cmgenoffen, etn ingfoiet, which was begun in 1785 and not finally 
 laid aside until several years later, although it remained a fragment. 
 ie Itngleidjett 3paugenof[eu was not published in Goethe's lifetime. 
 The date of the poem can not be positively determined. 
 
 In the operetta the four songs are separated by prose portions. The 
 scene is the park. Rosette (bd Sftdbcfyen) appears, sings the first 
 stanza, and after a brief monologue steps for a moment behind a clump 
 of bushes to regain self-control before her sweetheart appears. There- 
 upon her lover Flavio (ber 3>iingUttg) comes, sings the second stanza, and 
 finds Rosette. The two converse for a moment but hide at different 
 sides of the scene as they see the poet (ber @d)mad)tenbe) approaching. 
 He comes up, sings the third stanza, speaks a few words, and presum- 
 ably withdraws for a moment. After a while Pumper (ber 3>(iger) 
 makes his entrance and sings the fourth stanza. 
 
 1. 25. ($ttgC f he means a secluded spot. 
 
 1. 34. The servant was bringing home the game which the 3ciger 
 had already killed. 
 
 1. 38. SJiigcI, referring to the birds caught in his snares in the park, 
 but perhaps he sees the other persons in hiding and alludes to them 
 also. 
 
 62. (grfter Serfaft. 
 
 First appeared in @d)riften, 1789. 
 
 These lines were intended to form the beginning of the second act of 
 )ie Wtgtetcfjen augenoffen. As in the case of the preceding Selec- 
 tion, it is therefore impossible to determine their date with certainty. 
 2)ie lingleidjen cmgettoffen is so fragmentary that its plan is not very 
 evident, but it may be supposed that matters were more or less out of 
 joint in the domestic life of the baron and his wife, two personages of 
 
220 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 62-65. 
 
 the operetta, and that the baroness, to whom these lines are assigned, 
 is grieving over the happiness of former days. 
 
 63. Qknialtfdj Sreibett. 
 
 First appeared in cfdnge ber iebertdfel, 1811; taken into SBerfe, 
 1815. 
 
 In existence before the Italian journey. It is a humorous treatment 
 of the round of occupations of the poet, with allusion to Diogenes 
 (whom he here, as it were, makes his patron saint) and his tub. The 
 comparison of himself to this worthy seems to have been common with 
 Goethe (Riemer, aJttttbetlungen uber oetbe, II, 543). In the title, 
 means, doings or carrying on, and (JCmalifcf), as befits a genius. 
 
 64. 3tn ben 
 
 First appeared in $rteg, SHteratur unb Sweater, SftittbeUungen toon 
 3)ororo. Setyjtg, 1845. 
 
 65. 5(mor al$ fianbfd)aft3ma!er. 
 
 First appeared in @d)riften, 1 789. 
 
 It was probably written in the latter months of 1787 or early in 1788. 
 The poem is mentioned by name, under date of February 22, 1788, in 
 3roetter Stufentfyalt in Sftom. In October, 1787, Goethe spent about 
 three weeks in Castel-Gondolfo, a village about 14 miles distant from 
 Rome, as the guest of a wealthy English art-dealer named Jenkins. He 
 was delighted with the beauty of the surrounding country, and busied 
 himself with outdoor sketching. As described in ^roeiter $ufentf)att 
 in SRom, it was here that he met a beautiful Milanese girl and began to 
 feel for her a lively affection, when to his consternation he learned that 
 she was already betrothed. He sought consolation and in his own 
 words : 3d) roenbete mid) abermats rafcf) gu ber injltnfdjen t)ernad)ttif= 
 ftgten tanbfdjaftttcfyen 9?atitr, nnb fud)te fie fo treit al mogftdj nad)3U= 
 bitben; mebr aber gelang mir, fte beffer ju feljen. . . . unb id) fonnte 
 bem @d)inerj nicfyt fetnb tuerben, ber mir ben innern unb anfcern @inn 
 in bem rabe 511 fdjcirfen geeignet roar. This episode apparently 
 called forth the poem. 
 
Sel. 65-68.] NOTES. 221 
 
 1. 3. gr<W grwtbiert, -with a gray ground. 
 
 1. ii. mad) en, play. 
 
 1. 18. Xe^pttfj, referring to the mist. 
 
 1- 35- Iftftereit, glaze (put a semi-transparent color over another to 
 modify the effect). 
 
 1. 61, d)t 511 fommett, beginnt djritte 511 madjen, urn tjeran^u* 
 fonunen, obcr : unb fommt heron, tt)a in ber hat mit gemeint fdjeint. 
 (Grimm's 2B6rterbltd).) Say, starts. 
 
 66. 293e(f)fettieb pm Sat^e. 
 
 First appeared in @d)riften, 1789. 
 
 The time of its composition and the occasion which called it forth 
 are both unknown. 
 
 67, Slit bic utfernte. 
 
 First appeared in @d)riften, 1789. 
 
 The time and occasion of its origin are unknown. Many conjectures 
 have been made, assigning it to various periods from the early days at 
 Frankfort to 1788, in October of which year the volume containing the 
 poem was in the hands of the printer. Von Loeper has made the 
 most attractive guess in bringing it into connection with a passage in 
 Goethe's letter of Sept. 24, 1778, to Frau von Stein, who was then away 
 from Weimar : liberal! fitd)' id) @ie, bei of, in 3hrem au3 unb mt* 
 ter ben 33aumen, and) ohne eg $u nnffen, gel)' id) Ijeritm unb fndje ftm8, 
 nub enblid) fommt'8 berau, baft @ie mir feblen. 
 
 68. SBetjerjigung. 
 
 First appeared in C^rtften, 1789. 
 
 It is presumably of much earlier origin than is indicated by the date 
 of publication, but no evidence as yet produced gives the slightest 
 ground for fixing a date. The theme is the old question whether con- 
 servatism or radicalism is the better, and the conclusion the old one 
 that men are not alike. 
 
 I. 4. firfj JU trctben, to let himself drift. 
 
 II. 5-6. I.e. shall he take up a fixed abode or lead a wandering 
 life ? 
 
222 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 69-71. 
 
 69* Qmmtenutg. 
 
 First published in @d)riftett, 1789. 
 
 Like the preceding Selection, presumably of much earlier origin, al- 
 though no fact is known which justifies giving a date to it. It is one of 
 the best known of all Goethe's proverbial sayings. 
 
 70. $oMtifd)e3 Sieb. 
 
 First appeared in Schiller's 2ftufenatmanad) fiir ba8 3abr 1796; 
 taken into 9?eite @d}rifteit, 1800. 
 
 Goethe's interest in the affair of the diamond necklace which had so 
 much to do with the fate of the unhappy queen Marie Antoinette, and 
 in the fortunes of the arch-swindler Cagliostro, led him to begin an 
 opera, entitled >ie SfttyftiftCterten and dealing with the episode of the 
 diamond necklace. We find it first mentioned in the letter to Kayser, 
 written from Rome on August 14, 1787. Fragments of this opera, of 
 which this poem was a part, have been preserved. Later he gave up 
 the opera and wrote in its stead a play, 3)er rof^Ojjbta, which was 
 completed in the autumn of 1791. The new title was due to the cir- 
 cumstance that Cagliostro had pretended to revive an ancient Egyptian 
 system of freemasonry, and had called himself, as head of it, Grand 
 Cophta. The poem was not included in the play, and the exact time of 
 its origin cannot now be determined. From Goethe's 3(nnaten we 
 know that it was set to music in 1789. The sentiments uttered in the 
 lines are intended to harmonize with the tone of the opera, rather than 
 to express Goethe's personal convictions. 
 
 1.5. ^UttflC, tne pointer of scales of the type used by apothecaries 
 must be thought of here. Unless the weights in the pans are equal, the 
 pointer will, of course, move. 
 
 71. (Styigramme. SBettebifl, 1790. 
 
 First appeared as a whole in Schiller's 2ftufenatmanacf) fiir bag 3a^r 
 1796; taken into 9?eue @d)riften, 1800, with the addition of one epi- 
 gram, No. 5 of this collection. 
 
 In the spring of 1790 Goethe tarried from March 31 to the latter 
 
Sel. 71.] NOTES. 223 
 
 part of May in Venice, whither he had gone to meet the dowager duch- 
 ess Amalia, then traveling in Italy, and to escort her back to Weimar. 
 She did not arrive in Venice until May, and to pass the time of waiting, 
 among other occupations, he composed a number of epigrams. He 
 mentions 100 on May 4, in a letter to Herder's wife. The word 55ene^ 
 big in the title is therefore justified, as the epigrams were mostly written 
 at Venice, although a few were of earlier and a few others of later 
 date. 
 
 This is the first of the collections of proverbs, epigrams, etc., 
 which appear in Goethe's works. It is true that some poems of this 
 character may be found even at an early date in his career, but never- 
 theless his fondness for this literary type increased with his years and 
 with the waning of his creative poetical power. The sayings are often 
 freighted with the rich experience and observations of his long life, 
 but the lover of Goethe's poetry may be pardoned, in view of their 
 number and not infrequent dryness in later years, for preferring his 
 achievements in^ other fields to them. 
 
 In the so-called Sftbmtfdje (Slegien, which, however, originated after 
 his return from Italy, and in these Venetian epigrams, we see the influ- 
 ence of Greek and Latin literature upon the form and content of 
 Goethe's work perhaps at its hight. His obligation in the case of 
 these two collections is not merely the general one that he was permeated 
 with the spirit of classical literature, but the direct influence of two 
 Latin writers is beyond question and has to be reckoned with in at- 
 tempting to come to any proper understanding of this phase of Goethe's 
 work. In the Roman elegies, from which no selection is given here, he 
 was most directly under obligations to Propertius, while the Venetian 
 epigrams reflect not less clearly his interest in Martial. 
 
 The tone of the Venetian epigrams is, on the whole, sharp and often 
 polemic. Some of the reasons for this are obvious. Goethe saw Italy 
 with far different eyes in 1790 than in 1786. He was now more dis- 
 posed to censure than to praise, as his letters from Venice show. It be- 
 came evident to him that he could not live away from his native land. 
 Much of this aversion to Italy and affection for Germany arose from the 
 circumstances of his domestic life. He had entered into his relations 
 with Christiane Vulpius, for whom he had a sincere affection, and their 
 first child, the only one to survive the period of infancy, had been born. 
 
224 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 71. 
 
 He yearned for the home circle. And in addition to these reasons, the 
 epigrams deal with the topics of the day in Italy, Germany, and else- 
 where, and he was far from being in sympathy with many of the ten- 
 dencies of the times. 
 
 The motto was first inserted in the edition of 1815. 
 
 1. i. This epigram seems to have been called forth by the general 
 misgovernment of the Italian states. See Sel. 70, 1. 10. 
 
 1. 7. Evidently meaning Christiane. 
 
 1. ii. $iele3 tya& r id) tJCrfudjt, the truth of this is abundantly 
 proved by the testimony of Goethe as well as of others. 
 
 1. 16. fd)led)teftCtt @toff. What Goethe meant by toff has oc- 
 casioned considerable controversy. Two of the conjectures are worthy 
 of note : the first understanding in toff the themes of the Venetian 
 epigrams, the other the German language. The latter seems much the 
 more reasonable. It is no new thing for a poet to complain of the dif- 
 ficulties caused him by his native language. Goethe was probably 
 thinking of the musical flow of Italian when he wrote the lines. See 
 also 1. 66. 
 
 1. 17. This hearty tribute to Karl August first appeared in s JJeitC 
 @d)riften, 1800. In 1789 Goethe apparently prepared a poem in 
 praise of Karl August, which he intended to place among his Roman 
 elegies. (See his letters to the duke in May, 1789.) It has been gen- 
 erally supposed that this poem was the one to which he referred. It 
 may be, but the passage in his letter of April 15, 1790 to Herder, 2)em 
 erjog hab' id) ein bejonberS gefdjicft ; ba8 fafct cud) jeigen, seems to 
 confirm the opinion already advanced by Viehoff , that this poem really 
 originated in Venice and belongs consequently among these Venetian 
 epigrams. 
 
 1. 24. Karl August gave Goethe the arteitf)du8d)ett and later also 
 the house in Weimar where he lived so many years. 
 
 1. 28. fcejafylt, possibly referring to the fact that ofc t>on 33erti* 
 djingen was printed at his expense. At this time Goethe's works, owing 
 to defective copyright laws, had not brought him much money. 
 
 1. 30. ^crriittetctt aft, meaning SBertljer. 
 
 1. 32. It is stated as a fact that a ship had landed in Holstein in 
 1779 in the cabin of which were several Chinese pictures on glass de- 
 picting scenes from 
 
Sel. 71-73.] NOTES. 225 
 
 1. 34. 5Ittgilft ttttb SJtttCCtt, Augustus and Maecenas, as patrons of 
 literature. 
 
 1- 39- ^reilJeit^apoftef, ^ e was thinking of the leaders in the early 
 years of the French Revolution. The two epigrams following were also 
 called forth by thoughts of the Revolution. 
 
 1. 51. Goethe had also passed through his time of advocacy of law- 
 less freedom, as witnessed by his b't^. 
 
 1. 53. French had long been the language in German court circles. 
 
 1- 55- <5tyrflrf)e ber $raitfe, i.e. the ideas spread through all Europe 
 by the advocates of the French Revolution. 
 
 1. 61. That Goethe was not fond of dogs is shown elsewhere in his 
 writings, as for example at the beginning of the seventeenth Roman 
 elegy : 
 
 5Kanrf>e S5ne finb mtr SSerbrufj, bocf) bfetbt am metften 
 ,unbeQebelI mtr berfjafjt ; f laffenb jerretfct e mein Dt}r. 
 
 1. 66. See note to toff, 1. 16. 
 
 72. ftertt toon gebUbetett 9Kettf<$ett. 
 
 First appeared in SchummePs $eife blirrf) @d)teften im 3uttu8 linb 
 Sluguft 1791 ; taken into Berfe, 1840. 
 
 A product of the trip to Silesia in the summer of 1790. While visit- 
 ing a mine near Tarnowitz Goethe wrote these lines in the Visitor's 
 Book on September 4. 
 
 1. i. font, because Silesia lies on the outskirts of Germany. 
 
 73. $>ie Strobe. 
 
 First appeared in Schmieder's 3ournol fiir Sweater unb anberc fcfyone 
 $iinfte, 1797; taken into 9?eue cfjriften, 1800. 
 
 Vulpius, the brother of Christiane, translated one of Cimarosa's operas 
 into German, and it was given at the Weimar theater in 1791 and again 
 in 1797. O n one or the other of these occasions Goethe wrote the two 
 songs, >ie probe and tc 53efebrte (Sel. 74), for insertion in the 
 opera. Gifyronotogte assigns them to the year 1791, which arrangement 
 is followed here, although the evidence for either date is not conclusive. 
 Both songs pertain to the same shepherdess, constrasting her coquetry 
 
226 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 73-76. 
 
 of the morning with her lovelornness of the evening (probably, how- 
 ever, the evening of some later day), although the one song is now in 
 the third person and the other in the first. 
 
 74. $>ie S3e!etjrte. 
 
 See notes to Sel. 73. 
 
 75. 5(tt btc <$rttml)lte. 
 
 First appeared in 9ieiie djriften, 1800. 
 
 The statement of the Weimar edition that a note book belonging to 
 about the middle of the nineties contains a draft of the second and third 
 stanzas of this poem, is the reason for putting it here. No fact of 
 Goethe's life about the year 1 795 is now known which would stand in 
 any connection with the poem. In tone and content it seems rather to 
 belong to a much earlier period. 
 
 1. 4. fflljtt, present for the future. 
 
 1. 10. tyattl . . . l)0llbrarf)t, because he has already begun it. This 
 and the preceding line are a free treatment of the proverb, ^rifd) ge* 
 ttmgt tft halb gettonnen. But must we think of the lover as absent 
 from his maiden now, or is he merely vividly imagining all that is given 
 in the second and third stanzas? 
 
 76. mfy beg elie&ten. 
 
 First appeared in Schiller's 2JhijenaImcmacf) fitr ba 3abr 1796 ; 
 taken into 9teuc @d)riftett, 1800. 
 
 This song was called forth in April, 1795, by a poem of Friederike 
 Brun and especially by the music to which it had been set by Zelter. 
 The first stanza of Friederike Brun's poem runs : 
 
 3cf) benfe betn, toenn fid) tm Stiitenregcn 
 
 S)er f^rufyltng matt, 
 Unb toenn be Sommer mtlbgereifter <Segen 
 
 3n &I)ren fhafylt. 
 
 Zelter's melody, in particular, so delighted Goethe that he desired to 
 fit to it words of his own, and so wrote this poem. 
 
Sel. 77-79.] NOTES. 227 
 
 77. mtevtS Stifle. 
 
 This poem and Ui(fHrf)e ftafart (Sel. 78) both appeared first in 
 Schiller's 2ftujenalmanadj fitr bag 3obr 1796, and were taken into ^Reuc 
 djriften, 1800. 
 
 Nothing more is known concerning the origin or occasion of either of 
 these poems, but they may have been called forth by some occurrences 
 of his Italian journey. 
 
 1. 5. Ictne . . . feiner, these two negatives have merely the force of 
 one, no wind from any quarter. 
 
 78. <SHurfrf)e $al)rt. 
 
 See notes to Sel. 77. 
 
 I. 4. Goethe seems to have in mind here the bag of the winds given 
 to Odysseus by ^Eolus, the god of the winds, which was later opened 
 by his companions with disastrous results. Hence the use of cingftUd). 
 
 79. SHegiS wnb $>ora. 
 
 First appeared in Schiller's 2JJiifenalmanad) fitr ba 3abr 1797 ; 
 taken into JKeiie @d)riften, 1800. 
 
 This elegy was written in May, 1796, at Jena at the time of a visit of 
 Korner and his family to Schiller. The name Dora is a reminiscence of 
 Dora Stock, Korner's sister-in-law, whom Goethe knew in his Leipzig 
 days. The occasion of the poem is unknown. It was not called forth by 
 any of Goethe's known personal experiences, but it may contain reminis- 
 cences of past days (von Loeper). His longing for Italy seems to have 
 revived again at this time. For example, he wrote to Korner on Sep- 
 tember 22, 1796: SBemt @tc bte Sbtjfle (meaning 5Uct unb 2>ora) jit 
 21nfcmg be 2Jhifenalmana(f)3 fefien, jo gebenfen @ic jcner gittett Sage, 
 in benen fte entftanb. $[&nftcf)e 5(rbeiten btefer 5lrt mad)en mid) bier im 
 @aalgrunbe Dergeffen, ba ic^ jefet eigenttidj am Hrno tuanbeln fottte. 
 The poem is justly regarded as one of Goethe's best achievements; 
 certainly it is the crown of all produced under the influence of strong 
 classic inspiration. 
 
 II. i-io are the poet's description, beginning with the ship already 
 
228 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 79. 
 
 at sea and almost out of sight of land, although it is possible to conceive 
 that even these lines are spoken by Alexis. Then follows in 11. 11-154 
 the monologue of the young lover, while the last four lines of the poem 
 are again the poet's own. 
 
 1. 3- ($eleife, the word is usually neuter. 
 
 1. 9. bie Serge . . . bie frfjeibeubeu = Me fdjeibenben 33erge. 
 
 1. 19. btt, referring to Phoebus as sun-god. 
 
 1. 21. He means that he will look within, into his own heart, and 
 think over the past in its relations to Dora. 
 
 1. 24. bettt, meaning himself. 
 
 1. 25. "Jiidjter, as Duntzer suggests, probably an improvisatore, such 
 as Goethe mentions in 1. 59 of his first (Spiftel, reciting to a crowd 
 assembled about him a poetical riddle. They can enjoy the skillful 
 construction of the riddle, but must wait to hear the word uttered which 
 is the key to all, before they can really perceive its meaning. So he 
 had daily witnessed Dora's beauty, but it could not really move him, 
 until Amor made him see. 
 
 1. 27. bie . . . 25erfnityfung = bic fettne SBertniipfung ber giertidjen 
 SBilber. Notice also the bold word-order in 1. 142. 
 
 1. 42. tttegte, balanced and carried. 
 
 1. 44. s JDiaf, the just proportion, say, grace. 
 
 1. 46. geriltgelted Turf), pad placed upon the head to support the 
 water jar. 
 
 1. 53- litgft, He, in pretending to look like the sky. 
 
 1. 61. Itarfjberdtet. His possessions were already on board, and the 
 bundle was an afterthought of his mother. 
 
 1. 62. rctd). Alexis was evidently a young merchant setting out on a 
 trading voyage. 
 
 1. 77. btC tuetjjen JyctflClt. Goethe mentions white figs as a common 
 fruit in his 3taUenifd)e SRetfe under date of September 12, 1786. 
 
 1. 96. bOttlterte, as a sign of Heaven's approval. 
 
 1. 135. Here begins the transition in his thoughts which leads to his 
 wild outbreak of jealousy. Schiller objected to this tempestuous close, 
 and Goethe defended it in his letter of June 22, 1796: $iir Me (ifer= 
 fud)t am (Snbe habe x id) jtoei riinbe. (Sinen au ber -iftatur: wetl 
 hrirfltcf) jebeg unerttartete itnb intDerbtente iebeglitcf Me u ^t & e8 
 SSertufteg unmittelbar auf ber gerfe nad) ftcf) fiibrt, itnb einen a3 ber 
 
Sel. 79,80.] NOTES. 229 
 
 $unft : ttjctt bic Sbtyfle burd)au eincn patfietifcfien @ang fiat itnb alfo 
 bag Seibenfdjaftlidje bi gegen ba (Snbe gefteigert roerben muftte, ba fie 
 benn burrf) bte 3tbfcf)tebDerBeugung be 2)td)ter ttneber in Mbtidje 
 Itnb eiterc Jltriicfgefufyrt ttitrb. His first reason means that calm con- 
 fidence would hardly be in place in Alexis. Dora's love has been re- 
 vealed to him so unexpectedly and suddenly that away from her he 
 naturally has moments of doubt and jealousy. 
 
 80. Eeniett. 
 
 Irritated by the ill-success of Schiller's periodical 3)ic >orert, for 
 which Goethe also wrote, and vexed by all sorts of petty and malicious 
 attacks upon the periodical and upon themselves personally, Goethe 
 and Schiller began in the last days of 1 795 the preparation of a collec- 
 tion of epigrams directed against their enemies. The number grew 
 rapidly, amounting eventually to almost a thousand, among which were, 
 however, many of peaceful tenor. After several changes of plan, a se- 
 lection of these epigrams was published in Schiller's 2JhlfenaImanarf) fur 
 ba 3abr 1797, the invectives appearing under the title BEeitten, and 
 the mild distichs as Tabulae Votivae. The first title was suggested 
 by Goethe. He borrowed it from Martial, one book of whose collected 
 epigrams is called Xenia (a word borrowed from the Greek and mean- 
 ing a present to a guest). 
 
 On their appearance these epigrams caused a great sensation in Ger- 
 many and provoked many replies and bitter controversies. Like all 
 literary feuds they are not very interesting to posterity. Without the 
 aid of copious notes the point of most of them is lost for the reader of 
 to-day, and it is hard to understand how they could have ever seemed 
 very dreadful. They are chiefly significant to us as one of the many 
 evidences of the great stimulus which both Goethe and Schiller received 
 from their tardy but warm friendship. 
 
 It was the intention of both poets that the authorship of the individ- 
 ual epigrams should remain unknown. In the case of many their col- 
 laboration was such that neither could say certainly what part was his. 
 The question of the authorship of many of the epigrams can therefore 
 never be settled positively ; others can be assigned without much doubt 
 to one or other of the poets. In general, it may be said that most of 
 
230 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 80, 81. 
 
 the sting of the epigrams was due to Schiller. Although Goethe orig- 
 inated the idea and was more willing than Schiller to make a second 
 attack, his Jetuen are generally milder and less pointed. A few of the 
 epigrams which may be assigned to Goethe with considerable certainty 
 are given here as representative of his share in the joint work. 
 
 1. i. Directed against Lavater for whom Goethe had earlier felt a 
 warm friendship for several years and who never deserved the reproof 
 of this epigram. 
 
 1. 3. Directed against Joachim Heinrich Carnpe, who did much to 
 lessen the overabundant use of foreign words in German, although his 
 zeal led him too far at times. 
 
 1. 5. Goethe's opposition to Newton's theory of colors finds expression 
 here. Goethe was always extremely sensitive that his own theory met 
 with so little recognition, and bitter in his comments. 
 
 1. 6. QCbntrft, i.e. in Goethe's SBeitttige jilt Optif, published in 
 
 1791. 
 
 1. g. This and the following epigram did not appear in Schiller's 
 2D7ujenalmanad), but belonged to the mass of unpublished materials 
 which has now been made known in @d)riften ber oetbeefettfd)aft, 
 Vol. 8. The first of the two expresses clearly a fundamental principle 
 of Goethe's art. His ability to see things as they are justifies calling 
 him the great realist, although he was far from belonging to what is 
 called the realistic school. 
 
 1. n. Directed against Nicolai, who had been the friend of Lessing 
 and had done some good service for German literature in his younger 
 years, but had incurred in his old age the dislike of Goethe and others ; 
 bent (Sbefn is Lessing. 
 
 81. $er Gljittefe in 9fom. 
 
 First appeared in Schiller's Sftufenatmcmad) filr ba8 3afyr 1797; 
 taken into 28erfe, 1806. 
 
 Goethe inclosed the poem in his letter of August 10, 1796, to Schiller, 
 stating that it was called forth by some " arrogant utterance " which 
 Jean Paul Richter had made in a letter to Knebel, and that he was wil- 
 ling to have it printed in the SUmcinad) over his name. It may be said 
 in passing that many of Goethe's contributions to the ^Hmanacf) ap- 
 
Sel. 81-83.] NOTES. 231 
 
 peared over a pseudonym. What Jean Paul said to call forth Goethe's 
 ire is unknown. The characteristics of the two men, as well as their 
 theories and practice in literary matters, were radically different. The 
 mental attitude of the Chinaman of the poem applies not inaptly to 
 Jean Paul. 
 
 I. 2. (iifttQ, probably weighty here, about synonomous with jd)VDer. 
 The buildings at Rome seemed to the Chinaman very different from the 
 light, airy structures of his own country. 
 
 82. $>er @rf)a<?gra&er. 
 
 First appeared in Schiller's Sftufenalmcmad:) fiir ba 3dfyr 1798; 
 taken into 9?eue @d)riften, 1800. 
 
 It was apparently written in the latter part of May, 1 797. On May 
 21 occurs the entry in Goethe's. diary : $rtige 3bce, bdfc cm $inb einem 
 @d)agrtiber eine teud)tenbe @d)ale bringt. A picture in a German 
 translation of Petrarch may have given him the idea (Diintzer.) His 
 diary mentions Petrarch at the time. This is one of the most pleasing 
 of Goethe's ballads. 
 
 II. 3-4. He thus spoke to himself before he made the contract with 
 the Evil One. 
 
 I. 7. These are the words of the compact by which he gives up his 
 soul, if aided to find the hidden treasure. 
 
 II. 9-1 1. The circles, flames, etc. pertain to the incantation. 
 $r(Wt Itttb $ltod)etttt)erf f herbs and bones. 
 
 \. 21. Literally, and then all preparations were of no avail. The 
 coming of the boy was so sudden and unexpected that all precautions 
 would have been useless, even if he had been the Evil One. 
 
 1. 27. ttttfe, explained by 1. 33 below. 
 
 1. 33. The last stanza is spoken by the boy. SJlttt fce3 rcittCtt fic= 
 fcettJ, desire to live aright. 
 
 83. 2(tt (Scatter. 
 
 First appeared in Sriefwedjfel gttrifdjeii <Srf)itter itnb oetlje, 1829; 
 taken into 9tad)gelaffene 2Ber!e, 1833. 
 
 As the title explains, sent as a letter to Schiller. 
 
232 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 84, 85. 
 
 84, $er 
 
 First appeared in Schiller's SDhtfenatmanacf) fiir ba 3af)r 1798; 
 taken into 9?eiie <Sdjviften, 1800. 
 
 The ballad was written in the spring or early summer of 1797; it 
 certainly existed before July 19, when Goethe mentioned it in a letter to 
 Bottiger. The source is Lucian's $*Ao^;<% (Siigenfreuitb, in Wie- 
 land's translation), which was doubtless also known to Goethe in Wie- 
 land's translation of Lucian. There Eucrates tells of a journey in 
 Egpyt with the Egyptian priest Pancrates. They traveled without ser- 
 vants, and whenever they needed service, Pancrates would transform a 
 broom or whatever else was at hand into human form, make it do 
 whatever was necessary, and then turn it back into its original shape. 
 Eucrates learned the formula secretly and in the temporary absence of 
 Pancrates turned a wooden pestle into a. water-carrier, with results like 
 those mentioned in the poem. Goethe therefore borrowed the theme, 
 but his changes in the details and in the whole manner of treatment in 
 turning it into a ballad are very successful. 
 
 I. 5- 933ort T , SBerfC, and Skautf) (1. 6) refer to the magic formula 
 by which the master makes the transformation. 
 
 II. 9-14. These are the words of the formula which the boy repeats 
 to make sure of them. 
 
 1. 13. 3rf)lUttUc, here referring to the quantity of the water; say, 
 
 stream. Bowring translates the line, " and with teeming waters." 
 
 1. 41. e3 is explained by 1. 42. 
 
 1. 52. laffeit, allow. Contrast with (djfcit, stop, of 1. 66. 
 
 1. 54. The transformed broom eludes his grasp. 
 
 1. 74. SdjarfC, (cutting) edge. 
 
 85. $>er ^tntflgcfctt wnb bcr 
 
 First appeared in Schiller's JUlufenalmanadj fiir ba 3al)r 1799; 
 taken into 9?eue @d)rifteit, 1800. 
 
 In the autumn of 1 797 Goethe went to Switzerland. One of the re- 
 sults of this journey was a series of four ballads, dealing with a 2ftutte= 
 rttt, who is, however, not the same person in all four. 3)et 3ltnggefett 
 unb ber s JJ{iihlbad) is noticeably the best of the series and is moreover 
 
Sel. 85-87.] NOTES. 233 
 
 one of Goethe's most charming ballads. It seems to have been com- 
 pleted at Stuttgart on September 4, 1797, as Goethe was on his way to 
 Switzerland. In his letter of August 31, 1797, to Schiller, he wrote: 
 2ftuj3 id) Sbnen fagen, baft id) untertoegeS auf tin poetifdjeS enre ge* 
 fatten bin, in roeldjem rtrir ftinftig nteljr madjen rniifjen . . . @8 finb 
 etyrad)e in fitebenu . . . e taftt ftdj in bicfer gorm mand)e fagen, 
 man tnufj nur erft bineinfommen nnb biefer 5trt tbr (StgentbiimUcbeS 
 abgettrinnen. 3d) babe fo etn efyra'd) gttrifdjen einem $naben, ber in 
 eine Mtterin toerUebt ift, unb bem 9Jiublbac^ angefangen unb boffe e 
 ba(b jit iiberfdjtcfen. 2)a ^oetifd)tro|)if^=attegortfdf)e lutrb bnrc^ 
 btefe SBenbung lebenbig, unb befonberS auf ber SReife, rt)o einen fo 
 triele egenftdnbe anfpved)en, ift e etn redjt gnte enre. 
 1. g. rjcfaft, inclosed, walled in, so as to make the mill-race 
 
 ben). 
 
 1. 15. 2$Ittt, here meaning a person, fellow. 
 
 86. 
 
 First appeared in Schiller's SJhlfenatmanad) fitr ba 3at)r 1799; 
 taken into 2Berfe, 1815. 
 
 Also a product of the Swiss journey, having been written on October 
 I, 1797, at Altorf in Canton Uri. On that date his diary has the entry: 
 2Utorf. SRegentootfen, 9?ebef, @d)nee auf ben na'djften tyfeln. The 
 sight of the snow which had fallen on the mountains overnight called 
 forth the poem. It seems to be a lament over the approach of old age. 
 The singular of the word 2lty(e) means a high mountain and, in Swit- 
 zerland, particularly one adapted for grazing. 
 
 1. i. ber Steben, meaning Gtbriftiaue. 
 
 1. 6. ftetoegltd), say, vivid. He means a dream full of changing in- 
 cidents. 
 
 87. $te attufageten. 
 
 First appeared in Schiller's 9JJufenaImanad) fur ba 3al)r 1799; 
 taken into Serte, 1806. 
 
 According to the testimony of Goethe's diary the poem was written at 
 Jena on June 16, 1798, and is doubtless based on personal experience. 
 
 Musaget, referring in the first place to Apollo as leader of the 
 Muses; the special meaning here is shown in the last lines of the poem. 
 
234 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 87-89. 
 
 1. 6. fromttt, ate ben frii&en bttern getoei&t. (v. Loeper.) 
 
 1. 10. blimpf, dull, heavy. 
 
 1. 20. bchlttCU, prolonged. 
 
 1. 22. ie&. Goethe was earlier very fond of the word in such con- 
 nections. It is often so nearly without meaning as used in colloquial, 
 idiomatic German that it is best omitted in translation. 
 
 88. 9ln bie iinftigen. 
 
 First appeared in 9?eue @d)riften, 1800. 
 
 Written in 1 799 as a sort of poetical preface to the lyrics published in 
 Sfteue @(i)riften and addressed to the "gentle reader." In editions of 
 Goethe's works it now stands in the second place among the lyrics and 
 with the poem 33orffage, which there precedes it, and the motto (Sel. 
 no) it still serves as the preface to the lyrics, while 3iteigtumg is the 
 poetical preface to the whole of the works. (See notes to Sel. 56.) 
 The first stanza explains humorously why poets have to rush into print. 
 The second states that the lyrics, as has so often been mentioned in these 
 Notes, are the expression of his own experiences and emotions. As we 
 have already seen, this statement must be taken with qualifications. Not 
 all of the lyrics, to say nothing of ballads and other poems, found their 
 basis in his own life. Nevertheless the statement is essentially correct. 
 (See Introduction.) 
 
 1. 5- fub 9?ofo, in secret. 
 
 89. ftrufoeittfler SrWng. 
 
 First appeared in Wieland and Goethe's af(f)en6ud) Oilf ba8 3>af)r 
 1804 ; taken into S&erfe, 1806. 
 
 Presumably a product of the early spring of 1801 when Goethe spent 
 several weeks at his country place near Weimar, which he had purchased 
 in the spring of 1798. Convalescent after a severe illness he went out 
 into the country with his family towards the end of March and found 
 the weather pleasant. The poem was in Zelter's hands early in March, 
 1802. 
 
 1. i. 2Boitlte, caused by the return of spring and probably intensified 
 by the recovery from serious illness. 
 
Sel. 89, 90.] NOTES. 235 
 
 1. 31. Note the closing lines of 9ttet Itnb ora (Sel. 79). 
 
 1. 33. In the closing stanza comes the poetic explanation that the 
 rapture of spring is after all due to the presence of the sweetheart. 
 Note also 2ftaiUeb (Sel. 9), particularly the last four stanzas, for a 
 parallel. 
 
 90. 
 
 First appeared in Wieland and Goethe's afd)enBll<i) auf bag 3ahr 
 1804 ; taken into 2Berfe, 1806. 
 
 This poem is also presumably a product of the spring of 1801, and it 
 was also in Zelter's hands in March, 1802. As remarked by Bieder- 
 mann and others, it was evidently suggested by some 25otftieb. From 
 the period at Strassburg with Herder, and probably even before that 
 time, Goethe had felt strong interest in the 3>otf3lteb, an interest to be 
 traced in many ways in not a few of his own poems. His sympathy for 
 this natural poetry of his people never left him, in fact, but now at the 
 beginning of the new century his extreme predilection for classic theme 
 and form had spent its force, and he had already returned to a more 
 sympathetic attitude towards things German and modern. At this time 
 the literary public was beginning to find the 23oIfHeb again worthy of 
 its attention, and it was only to be expected that Goethe, whose natural 
 inclinations and revived sympathies so disposed him, should fall in with 
 the popular movement. 
 
 The direct influence of the SBotfStieb upon individual poems of Goethe 
 is manifested in various ways. Sometimes he imitates only the general 
 tone ; at others, starting from a line or a stanza, he makes a new poem, 
 often with similar, often with very dissimilar, contents; at other times, 
 as in the case of etbenrbtein, for example, he borrows both tone and 
 contents, and his part consists in the refinement of word and sentiment 
 and of the general artistic treatment. @C&ofer $lagetieb belongs 
 rather to the second category. 
 
 1. 5. fof(J r f i.e. as they go down into the valley, he follows uncon- 
 sciously, being lost in melancholy thoughts. 
 
 1. 17. 2)er Sfagenbogen tft fiir ibn fetn ^riebenSbote. (Diintzer.) 
 
 1. 18. ftof)(, as often in the 33offUeb, is of so little meaning here that 
 it may be omitted in English. It is frequently used very much as " I 
 ween " in English ballads, apparently doing little more than to fill out 
 the line. It could possibly be rendered by directly here. 
 
236 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 91. 
 
 First appeared in Wieland and Goethe's Xafdjeitburf) CUtf ba 3afyr 
 1804; taken into SSerfe, 1806. 
 
 In the autumn of 1801 Goethe established the so-called 2)littftod)= 
 frdnjcfyen, a small circle or club of fourteen members in all, which met 
 at his house once a fortnight. Its meetings continued till the spring of 
 1802. For this little circle he wrote several of his poems which now 
 appear in the editions of his works, together with others of earlier and 
 later origin, under the general heading of ($efefltge SHeber. (For a very 
 interesting account of the origin and character of this circle by one of 
 its members, Grafin Egloffstein, see the article, Goethe 's Cour D^ Amour, 
 in Vol. 6 of oetl)e=3a^rbll^.) if(f)Iieb was written for the meeting 
 of the circle on February 22, 1802, as is shown by the correspondence 
 between Goethe and Schiller on February 1 7-20 of that year. 
 
 1. i. This stanza was suggested by the second stanza of the Latin 
 song, Meum est propositum in taberna mori, long popular as a student 
 song. The stanza runs : 
 
 Poculis accenditur 
 
 Animi lucerna, 
 Cor imbutum nectare 
 Volat ad superna. 
 Mihi sapit dulcius 
 Vinum de taberna. 
 
 1. 14. ol)tt r Otte $dl)rbe, -without deceit, in all sincerity. 
 
 1. 21. @Ute $mt1tbe Jtcfjen fort. Prince Karl Friedrich of Wei- 
 mar was about to depart for Paris, and this meeting of the circle was 
 called to bid him farewell. He was present as the guest of honor. 
 Goethe had been at Jena for several days, when the idea of this 
 special meeting of the circle in view of the departure of the prince, was 
 broached to him by Schiller, then at Weimar. He at first refused but 
 finally consented to return to Weimar and to have the meeting at his 
 own house. It is possible that only the third stanza was written for this 
 special occasion and that the rest of the poem had originated a few days 
 earlier at Jena, when Goethe had no thought of attending the meeting. 
 It may be observed that the rime scheme of this stanza is different from 
 that of the others. 
 
Sel. 91, 92.] NOTES. 237 
 
 1. 22. Before the introduction of the metric system the %Reile was 
 used as a standard of measurement. It varied somewhat in different 
 parts of Germany, but was roughly about five of our miles. 
 
 1. 25. After the allusion to the prince follows a series of toasts to an 
 ever-widening circle. This stanza toasts the ruler, here called $ontg. 
 The original version seems to have had a more direct allusion to Karl 
 August. 
 
 1. 32. 9Jld)r ttodj, twe er meljre, apparently an allusion to the trans- 
 lation of Augustus of the imperial German title by SRebrer (augmen- 
 tor) and possibly a veiled compliment to Karl August. 
 
 1. 33. This stanza toasts the sweetheart of each one present. 
 
 1. 45. ber iftefcel, genitive plural. 
 
 1. 49. S3retter, because he is including more in the toast. 
 
 92. SKatur uitb unft, fie fdjeinen ftrf) 511 fltef)ett. 
 
 First appeared as part of 2BaS ^ir bringen, SSorfptet bei (Sroffnnng 
 be neuen @d)aujpieIt)OU|e JU aufrf)ftdbt, 1802; taken as a separate 
 poem into 28erte, 1836. 
 
 The theater at the little resort Lauschstadt, not far from Halle, was of 
 importance, financially and otherwise, to the Weimar troupe, and Goethe, 
 to whom the chief direction of theatrical affairs at Weimar had been 
 given, finally succeeded in having the poor structure at Lauschstadt re- 
 placed by a better. The opening of the new theater took place on 
 June 27, 1802, and Goethe wrote for it, 2&a ttrir bringen. The son- 
 net, which may have been written earlier, stands at the close of the 
 nineteenth scene, being spoken by the nymph. It is immediately pre- 
 ceded by the words : 
 
 3m inne fdjiuebt mir eine $idjter alter prudj, 
 SDen man mid) lefyrte, ofyne bafj id) ifjn begrtff, 
 Unb ben id) nun berftefye, tt>et( cr mid) beglitrft. 
 
 Primarily the apparent conflict of nature and art was intended to refer 
 to the form of the sonnet, and ber 2Bibertt)ifle of 1. 3 finds its explana-* 
 tion in Goethe's formerly expressed aversion to such artificial verse. 
 (For a discussion of Goethe's relations to the sonnet, see notes to Sel. 
 98.) But it is nevertheless true that the poem expresses with equal 
 clearness Goethe's views of the relation of nature and art. The change 
 
238 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 92, 93. 
 
 from the opinion, held in the days of ($51,5 and S&ertfier, that genius is 
 a law unto itself, to the convictions uttered in 11. 12-14 is almost startling. 
 It is a complete intellectual revolution. The thought that only law can 
 make us free is a summary of the results of that long process of educa- 
 tion which we have traced from Strassburg to Frankfort, from Frankfort 
 to Weimar, from Weimar to Italy, from Italy back to Germany. 
 
 1. 10. Itngebunbette, i.e. ^vless, without self-restraint ; contrast with 
 
 ftrf) sufammenraffett of 1. 12. 
 
 93. $od)settaeb. 
 
 First appeared in Wieland and Goethe's dfc!)enbudj Ollf ba 3&f)V 
 1804; taken into 2Berfe, 1806. 
 
 The ballad was sent to Zelter with the letter of December 6, 1802. 
 It was apparently begun in the preceding February; at what time be- 
 tween that month and December it was completed is unknown. The 
 outline of the poem was doubtless suggested by some legend. A similar 
 story is told, for example, in 2)eittjd)e Cigen, issued in 1816 by the 
 brothers Grimm, under the title, 3)e8 Keilten SSolfeS ^OC^JCttfeft, but 
 having a different conclusion. When and how Goethe became ac- 
 quainted with the legend is unknown. According to his own statement 
 this was one of the themes which he had carried in mind for many 
 years. As happened in other cases, some outward occasion, to us un- 
 known, caused it to crystallize into a ballad. 
 
 The whole poem is put into the mouth of an old servant who, on the 
 occasion of the marriage of the present count (Snfct of 1. 3) tells of an 
 experience of a former count (raf of 1. i), long since deceased (be 
 feltgen errn of 1. 3), who on returning from one of the crusades found 
 his castle deserted and much fallen to decay. 
 
 1. i. ftitflcn Ultb fageit, a survival of the old alliterative formula per- 
 taining to the two phases of the poetry of the medieval German min- 
 strels and to the manner in which it was brought before their hearers. 
 The words do not differ especially in meaning here. 
 
 1. 6. 3w (Sfjreit geftrttten, fought and won honor. mnumgctt, 
 instead of ntanrfjen. 
 
 1. 10. This stanza is put into the mouth of the count. 
 
 1. ii. frfjltmmer, i.e. worse than foreign lands, or possibly, worse 
 than he had thought, as Strehlke suggests. 
 
Sel.93, 94.] NOTES. 239 
 
 11. 21-22. Again words of the count. 
 . 24. 3(ltt^c(, lamp. 
 
 . 37. The three horsemen, who have been waiting under the bed, 
 ride out at the head of the bridal procession. 
 .42. fo . . . ttl$, both . . . and. 
 . 46. dfle, every one. Notice also bfl3 of 1. 62. 
 .51. riltflCft and the other verbs in this line all refer to the dancing. 
 . 52. jrifpct't, which is synonomous with ftiiftcrt, and the other 
 verbs in this line refer to the talking of the little guests. 
 
 1. 55- b(lWdt T 3, there is a hurrying about. rap^clt is synono- 
 mous with f Insert, and both refer to the noise of the benches, etc. 
 The dwarfs have stopped dancing and begin their banquet. 
 
 1. 65. Xo&Ctt Ultb ofett, i.e. of the present feast at which he is 
 singing the song. With the next line the recital returns to the former 
 count. 
 
 1. 69. tmiutlirfjcr 3d)uwU, he means numerous wedding-guests. 
 1. 70. IteiflCH ftrf), i.e. to the former count, just as others are doing 
 to-day at the marriage of his descendant. 
 
 94. $er 'JJattenfchtger. 
 
 First appeared in Wieland and Goethe's afd)enbud) ailf ba8 3af)r 
 1804 ; taken into SBerfe, 1806. 
 
 The time of its origin is uncertain. Riemer states (SJUttljeitungen II, 
 620) : (Seiner programme 311 $inberbafleten erttwljnte oettje mebr= 
 mats gegen mid), au ber friibern X^eateqeit Don 23eHomo itnb Sftoretti, 
 . . . ein anbereS (mar) ber 5ftattenfanger ; an rt)eld)en nod) bie Sfto* 
 manje : ,,3d) bin ber toofytbefannte anger, it. f. to." ftc^ erbatten Ijat. 
 Riemer's notice might refer to a troupe playing in Weimar between the 
 years 1784 and 1791, or to another in the years 1801-1803. The theme 
 is the well-known story of the pied piper of Hamelin, who cleared the 
 old city of rats, but being refused his pay, enticed all the children of the 
 city away with his music and never returned with them. (See Brown- 
 ing's Pied Piper of Hamelin?) Goethe, however, treats the theme very 
 differently. 
 
 1. 13. Itorf) fo triUng (instead of trofctg), ever so defiant. 
 
 1. 14. ftUtjtg, stubborn. 
 
240 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 95, 96. 
 
 95. 
 
 First appeared in Wieland and Goethe's afd)enbud) auf ba 3dfyr 
 1804 ; taken into SBerfe, 1806. 
 
 The exact time of its origin is unknown. It was presumably inspired 
 by a ruined castle near Jena and by Sylvie von Ziegesar with whom 
 Goethe stood on terms of intimate friendship. " Sylvie von Ziegesar, her 
 songs, her guitar, the ruins of the castle, formed a poetic whole " (von 
 Loeper, who assigns the poem conjecturally to 1801). Sylvie's friend 
 Luise Seidler wrote later (as quoted by von Loeper), referring to the 
 days together at Jena, but apparently not thinking of the poem : t)t* 
 m'ens uitarre leiftctc efeUfcfyaft ; ibre ieber tonten im SBettftreit 
 mit jenen ber anger be SBalbeS. 3)ic Stbcnbe oertebten tuir baufig 
 in ber Shtine Sobeba, jaben Don ba cms bie 23erge im 2lbenbgotb leucfyten 
 nub lieften un8 Don ben @ternen beimleucbten. The situation is es- 
 sentially that of the poem. The poet sees the ruins of the castle and calls 
 to mind those who formerly peopled it. The sight of his sweetheart, for 
 into such he has with poetic license transformed his youthful friend 
 Sylvie, suggests the remainder. 
 
 1. i. See the beginning of Schafers $Iagelieb (Sel. 90) and the 
 notes thereto. 
 
 15. IjciltflCH 9JlflfjIe, holy Communion. 
 
 ig. Contrast fluffjttij here and in the next line with the behavior 
 
 of 
 
 iero and heroine in 11. 51-52. The "Jtouf is, of course, a kiss. 
 
 24. toerttwnbt = oerirjanbelt. 
 
 43. ($ JCltgtC, acted as witness (of the marriage ceremony). 
 
 46. 3m ftitteit dtteS tJCrtor, everything quietly disappeared. He 
 means that the vision has disappeared and the actuality returned; the 
 castle is once more a ruin, he is again a man of the present world and 
 she his sweetheart. 
 
 1. 51. A humorous contrast to 1. 20. No hasty kiss this time. 
 
 96. Vanitas ! vanitatum vanitas ! 
 
 First appeared in SBerte, 1806. 
 
 The poem was written early in 1806 and was apparently begun as a 
 parody of the first stanza of an old hymn beginning, 3(f) I)ob' mein @od) 
 
Sel. 96, 97.] NOTES. 241 
 
 Ott fjeimgefteHt, and with use also of an old saying, 2Ber feme ad)' 
 ailf nidjtS ftetlt, bem taitn eg Iticht feblen. Compare with this the com- 
 mon parody of one of the beatitudes : " Blessed is the man who ex- 
 pects nothing, for he'll not be disappointed." The title was suggested 
 by the Latin version of the well-known passage in Ecclesiastes. Goethe 
 seems to have sought refuge from the distress of the time, as at other 
 periods in his life, by busying himself with poetical themes of a very 
 different tenor. 
 
 1. i. / have slaked my all (niy cause} on nothing, or I have set my 
 heart on nothing. Stiff) seems to be here the neuter in a collective 
 sense. 
 
 1. 7. JWetge, commonly "dregs" or "remnant." We might say here, 
 these last drops. 
 
 1. 19. Xeil, say, partner. 
 
 1. 24. $nter(aitbart, in leaving his country he also left its ways, 
 manners and customs behind him, and could not get used to what he 
 found in other countries. 
 
 1. 28. Uerftrwb mtdj redjt, because he could not speak the language 
 of the foreign country well. 
 
 1. 41. The line is obscure, but he seems to mean that the army to 
 which he belonged maltreated both friend and foe impartially. 
 
 97. 2tteMiftojjI)efe3 foridjt 
 
 First appeared in 9tiidblicfe in tnein eben. 2(u8 bem Sftacfjlaffe toon 
 . ltben, 1847. Luden was professor of history at Jena. After his 
 call to that university, and before he had entered upon his duties, he 
 made a visit to the little city and was given two interviews with Goethe, 
 on August 1 8 and 19, 1806. At the second of these Luden remarked 
 in the midst of a conversation about history, that it was the hardest of 
 all studies. To this Goethe replied, as quoted by Luden : Qtt biefer 
 helming finb @te toobl junadjft ge!ommen, tt>eit @ie jtrf) am meiften 
 mit ber efdjtdjte befdjaftigt baben. 2B(ire 2fte})hiftopf)efe gegen= 
 ttwrttg, jo toiirbe er etttm folgenben $iuittetreim ^atbetifcf) Ijerbefla* 
 mieren. Then he recited this poem. The conversation had been about 
 Ciut a few moments before. 
 
242 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 98. 
 
 98. 3Jlarf)ttge3 Uberrafrfjem 
 
 First appeared in SBerfe, 1815. 
 
 The question whether the sonnet has a legitimate place in German 
 poetry had arisen once more about the beginning of the present cen- 
 tury, and the poets of the time were by no means of one mind in their 
 views or practice with reference to the subject of controversy. Al- 
 though he had already made some small use of the sonnet, Goethe's first 
 feeling seemed to be one of hostility, finding expression in 2)a @0tiett, 
 which was presumably written about 1800, and of which the concluding 
 lines run: 
 
 9tur tuetfj id) I)ier mid) nid)t bcquem 311 betten, 
 3d) fdjneibc fonft jo gcrn au ganjcm ^oljc, 
 llnb miifjte nun bod) and) mitunter tetmen. 
 
 Be that as it may, the sonnet 9?atlir Itttb $linft, ftc fd)eineit fid) gll flic= 
 l)en (Sel. 92), recognizes fully the worth of this form of poetry. 
 
 Here the matter rested, so far as the actual composition of sonnets 
 was concerned, until November, 1807, when several influences working 
 together led the poet to write in the next few weeks, at Jena and at 
 Weimar, a series of 17 sonnets, which were first published in the year 
 1815, with the exception of two which were not added to the 
 works until 1827. These influences were : The publication at Jena of 
 a German translation of Petrarch, the great Italian master of the son- 
 net, with the consequent revival of Goethe's interest in this poet ; the 
 presence at Jena of Zacharias Werner, who read his own sonnets to 
 Goethe and apparently called forth a friendly rivalry on the latter's 
 part; the visit of Bettina Brentano at Weimar only a short while be- 
 fore Goethe's going to Jena; Goethe's interest in Minna Herzlieb, the 
 foster-child of Frommann, who published the translation of Petrarch and 
 in whose house Goethe and Werner frequently met. 
 
 How great the influence of Bettina and of Minna was, is at present 
 hard to decide. It seems probable, however, that Bettina's role was 
 unimportant and Minna's commonly much overestimated. Although 
 Goethe himself said later that he had once loved Minna more than was 
 fitting, it is reasonable to suppose that his love for her was not great, 
 while she certainly had no other feeling than respect and admiration for 
 her elderly friend. Goethe's affection for her must have been mostly 
 
Sel. 98, 99.] NOTES. 243 
 
 professional; he was writing sonnets in friendly rivalry with Werner; 
 to correspond with Petrarch's Laura he needed a sweetheart; he was 
 meeting frequently in her own home a pretty young woman whom he 
 had known as a child; with his ever great susceptibility to feminine 
 charms a mild affection for her was the natural result. 
 
 That Goethe's feelings were of such mild character seems to be made 
 evident by the sonnets themselves. They do not seem to speak the 
 language of hearfelt emotion. They are at times obscure and frequent- 
 ly unnatural in thought and expression. They lack the best qualities of 
 Goethe's management of rime and rhythm. After the writing of this 
 series, Goethe's interest seems to have ceased. The score or so of son- 
 nets which appear in his collected works help in no way to increase his 
 fame and may be regarded as one of the least successful phases of his 
 poetic work. 
 
 Wttd)ti$t U&errafeJjett, depicts, under the figure of a stream, a 
 man, probably the poet himself, suddenly seized by an overmastering 
 passion for a maiden. 
 
 1. i. Hltttuolftcit, because its source is in the mountains. 
 
 1. 3. tJOtt rttltb U (Sfriiubett, from vale to vale, that is, on its 
 course downward. The stream was rushing on to the ocean like a 
 man intent in carrying out his purpose. 
 
 1. 7. Orefl, the mountain nymph. The stanza represents figura- 
 tively the sudden love of the man by which he is held back from the 
 accomplishment of former purpose and made to look inward. 
 
 1. 8. <3tf)ale, apparently the bed of the stream, dammed up by fal- 
 len trees and rocks; say, basin. 
 
 1. 9- SScttc, meaning the stream. 
 
 1. ii. $ater, i- e. the ocean. 
 
 99. $>ie fitebcnbc afcermafS. 
 
 History of origin and publication the same as for Sel. 98. 
 Possibly an echo of Bettina's enthusiastic adoration of Goethe and of 
 her letters to him. 
 
 1. 9. mag, can. 
 
 1. 14. in fid) tJOfleitbet, i. e. her feelings were too deep for words; 
 the presence of her lover was the crown and completion of all. 
 
244 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 100-101. 
 
 100. 3n ba3 tammoud) ber lOjatjrtgcn SBertfja boit Sober. 
 
 Cited in the first volume of <hronif be8 SBtener oetl)e=$evetn, 1887, 
 which also explains that Bertha von Loder, who was about ten years 
 old at the time of the writing of these lines, married a von Liitzow in 
 1820 and died in 1844. She was the daughter of the anatomist Loder. 
 
 The lines are given here as representative of the large number of po- 
 ems written in autograph albums or otherwise addressed to persons. 
 Their number grew with Goethe's increasing fame. Many of them 
 were, as a matter of course, more or less perfunctory; on the other 
 hand some may be counted among Goethe's most successful achieve- 
 ments. 
 
 101. Ergo bibamus. 
 
 First appeared in efcinge ber SHebertafet, 1811; taken into 2Berfe, 
 1815. 
 
 In Goethe's ^arbentefyre (II, 192) is the following passage : @ 
 fdltt im$ bei btefer elegenhett ein, bafe SBafebort), ber etn ftarfer rin* 
 fer roar iinb in fetnen beften 3at)ren in guter efettjdjaft einen feljr er= 
 freuUcfyen ^urnor geigte, ftets ju befyaupten pflegte : bte ^onllufton ergo 
 bibamus paffe ju alien ^ramiffen. (5 i(t jd)on ^Better, ergo bibamus ! 
 @8 ift etn fytifclicfjer Sag, ergo bibamus ! 3Bir ftnb unter ^wunben, 
 ergo bibamus ! (Ss [inb fatale 23urjd)e in ber efeflftfjaft, ergo biba- 
 mus ! (For further account of Basedow see notes to Sel. 19 and 20.) 
 This passage and a conversation about it led Riemer (as related in his 
 33rocarbica) to compose a drinking song with the words Ergo bibamus 
 as refrain. Riemer's production stimulated Goethe to write this poem 
 in March, 1810. In it Goethe carries out in considerable detail Base- 
 dow's contention that Ergo bibamus is befitting in all circumstances. 
 
 1. 4. befycrstflt, take to heart, consider. 
 
 1. 6. JUJtt (SJrftCtt . . . fO fort, i.e. it will do for firstly, secondly, 
 etc. 
 
 1. 21. frfjmorgt, saves in a niggardly -way. No matter how much 
 the miser saves by undue economy in eating, drinking, etc. (DOItt 
 , the joyous man is always cared for. 
 
Sel. 102-104.] NOTES. 245 
 
 102, Jmumeitgrufj. 
 
 First appeared in SBerfe, 1815. 
 
 The poem was given to Zelter in the summer of 1810 and set to 
 music by him. The circumstances and date of its origin are unknown. 
 Internal evidence makes a date much earlier than 1810 seem reason- 
 able. 
 
 1. 6. tt)tC, say, how many. 
 
 103. 2TCttUieb. 
 
 First appeared in SBerfe, 1815. 
 
 It was set to music by Zelter in October, 1810, and may have been 
 called forth by Goethe's journey to Bohemia in May of that year, al- 
 though a much earlier origin seems not improbable. 
 
 1. 2. 4?erfeit Mb 2>0ftt, possibly meaning together hedges of thorn, 
 but more probably ecfen and )orn are contrasted as SBetjen and 
 $ont, SBciume and ra8. "Between hedgerows and thorn." (Bow- 
 ring.) 
 
 1. 8. ($olbrf)eit f meaning his sweetheart. 
 
 104. $ie gttftigeit turn 293eimur. 
 
 First appeared in SBerfe, 
 
 Written on January 15, 1813. 2)ie itftigen to whom he referred 
 were his wife and her intimate friends. She was particularly fond of 
 dancing. The poem gives a humorously overdrawn picture of the so- 
 cial activities of the inmates of his house. 
 
 1. i. 83etoebere, a ducal castle near Weimar. 
 
 1. 5. Possibly he means that they look forward to (lit., "aim at") 
 Saturday as the end of the week and its cares (SBtlltne), or he may be 
 thinking of Saturday as the day of a ball and concert at Jena, as com- 
 mentators commonly suggest. 
 
 1. 7. Places near Jena. 
 
 1. 8. On Monday and Wednesday evening the theater at Weimar 
 was open, as also on Saturday. 
 
 1. 12. Iftftyttfdjdjett, a game of cards. 
 
246 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 104, 105. 
 
 1. 13. JJiiiljruitfl, emotion , because tragedies were chiefly presented 
 on Wednesday evening. 
 
 1. 19. fUttfetg, instead of fihlfeig. 
 1. 23. prater, a park in Vienna. 
 
 105. $>er Xoteittatts. 
 
 First appeared in 2Berfe, 1815. 
 
 In the spring of 1813 Goethe went to the health resort Teplitz, in 
 Bohemia, by way of Leipzig. On April 21 he wrote to his wife from 
 Dresden and, in connection with the events at Leipzig on April 18, 
 said: 2)agegen fdjrieben ttriv 311 unferer uft bie don ^itguft erjahtte 
 Sotentanjlegenbc in toaftUcfyen Sfteimen anf. This gives at once the 
 date and source of the poem. From what source his son August had 
 the legend is unknown, but similar legends have existed at various 
 times and in various countries. 
 
 1. 2. Sage, nebcn einanber liegenb, in 9?eil)en. (von Loeper.) This 
 is certainly an unusual use of the word, and its meaning is in dispute. 
 
 1. 7. ^peittbCtt, shrouds. 
 
 1. 8. %b, C$, referring to the dead who have just arisen from their 
 graves. 
 
 1. 9. JHltttbe, round dance. ^rttttj, say, circle. 
 
 1. 1 6. Dertratfte, distorted, awkward. 
 
 1. 17. IttWert'S ttltb ffaWert'd, there is a rattling and clattering 
 (of bones). 
 
 1. 18. .^Siil^lcilt, here of obscure meaning. Possibly " castanets." 
 Jttttt XaftC, keeping time with the dance. 
 
 1. 21. Sdfeu, here the same as emben. 
 
 I. 24. The line seems to mean nothing more than 3)er Sftonb fdjeittt 
 nocf) immer |o befl. 
 
 II. 45, 46. >er Siirmer tdfct ben ^afen berunterpngen r ba toirb 
 e8 Don bem eifcrnen 3^ en / ^ ^ oe ^ anb be (eiftg fatten) So* 
 ten ergriffen, fo ba jener andf) fetnett Xob Dor 2tugen fiel)t. (Strehlkj^ 
 ant Jdttflftcn nclcbt, i.e. the moment of death is near. 
 
 1. 48. GHtt^, as the end of the hour in which spirits may walk. 
 
Sel. 106.] NOTES. 247 
 
 106. ettn)I)ttt f 
 
 First appeared in 2Berfe, 1815. 
 
 The letter to his wife mentioned in connection with Sel. 105 also 
 gives information about this selection. From it, as well as from other 
 sources, we learn that Goethe wrote the poem on April 19, 1813, at 
 Oschatz at the time of the noon rest, as he was on his way from Leipzig 
 to Dresden. It is a parody of a poem beginning, 3d) babe gelacfjt, nil It 
 lad)' id) ltid)t lltebr, which Goethe had heard pretentiously declaimed at 
 Leipzig on the day before, and against the tone and thought of which 
 he thus vigorously protested. In his letter of May 3 to Zelter he spoke 
 of eJvjoljltt, gethan, as being a parody of the most miserable of all 
 German poems. 
 
 We may imagine the singer of Goethe's lines to be an elderly man 
 who has not lost his appreciation of the pleasures of his youth, but still 
 continues to do with increased enjoyment what he was wont to do in 
 earlier years. 
 
 1. i. erft redjt, i.e. this is the first time that he has ever been com- 
 pletely in love. " I have been in love (in the past), but now I am more 
 in love than ever before." A similar idea is expressed in the first line 
 of each of the three stanzas following. 
 
 1. 2. $tted)t f slave, to express a greater degree of servitude than 
 >iener. 
 
 1. 8. gcl)t t aildj, though things go. 
 
 I. 9. glaubtgett Dfbett, order, or brotherhood of believers. 
 
 II. 14-16. The thought is that youth takes no real enjoyment in din- 
 ing; it eats rapidly and hurries off and is thus to be contrasted with the 
 older man of 11. 17, 18. 
 
 1. 24. btC fttltgeit, the new wines. 
 
 1. 25. jjelobt, sworn allegiance to. For the first time he has to ad- 
 mit that there is something that he can not enjoy so much as in earlier 
 years. Nevertheless he still gets some pleasure from the quiet dances. 
 
 1. 29. uttb . , . and), though. 
 
 1. 31. $>ntttt frifrf) mtr anf ttene ! an admonition to begin boldly 
 anew. 
 
 1. 34. Stem, guiding star. 
 
 1. 36. tJOtt t0Wen, from the beginning. Bowring gives the sense 
 admirably in his translation : " And make but the future thine own." 
 
248 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 107-109. 
 
 107, $>ie ttwnbeittbe lorfc. 
 
 First appeared in SSerle, 1815. 
 
 Written at Teplitz on May 22, 1813. Riemer relates ( s Mttf)eiIungen, 
 II, 576) that he and Goethe's son August were fond of mystifying a 
 child, who seemed a little afraid of the sound of the church bells and 
 particularly of a large one, by telling him that this bell could come down 
 from the belfry and waddle through the streets. August illustrated the 
 alleged motion of the bell by means of an open umbrella. The oc- 
 currence was related to Goethe, who seemed to pay no especial heed to 
 it at the time, but made use of it some years later for this ballad. 
 
 1.2. fid) bcquemen, get accustomed, or willing to go. 
 
 1. 6. ift btr T 3 befoljlcu, you are summoned (to church}. 
 
 1. 7. "And if you don't get used to going;" meaning, however, 
 merely, and if you dorft go. 
 
 1. 13. (Worfc (SHorfe, the repetition here is puzzling. The simplest 
 explanation is to suppose that a comma should be inserted between the 
 words. The boy speaks this and the next line. 
 
 1. 14. f arf ellt, /. (v. Loeper.) 
 
 1. 19. lailft, instead oftaitft. 
 
 1. 21. lit mint . . . .llf(f), makes a quick motion (to one side) just 
 at the right time (as the bell is about to cover him). 
 
 1. 28. tit ^crfoit, by the bell in person. 
 
 108. QJefunbett. 
 
 First appeared in S&erfe, 1815. 
 
 The poem was written on August 26, 1813, while Goethe was on a 
 journey from Weimar to Ilmenau, and sent as a letter to his wife. It 
 commemorates their first meeting, which had taken place a little more 
 than twenty-five years before. It is one more token of the sincere af- 
 fection which he felt for her. 
 
 1. 2. fiir tttid) tyilt, along (without special purpose in mind). 
 
 109. Wlciri) nnb gleid). 
 
 First appeared in 2Berfe, 1815. 
 
Sel. 109-112.] NOTES. 249 
 
 A copy of these lines was sent to Zelter in Goethe's letter of April 22, 
 1814. The poem was probably written only a short time before. 
 
 110; <3jwt erHtttgt, ttw3 fritt) erftottg. 
 
 First appeared in SBerfe, 1815. 
 
 These lines were placed as motto before the lyrics of the edition of 
 1815 and have continued to hold that position in subsequent editions. 
 They were doubtless written in 1814 in preparation for the new edition, 
 and express again the thought that these lyrics are the expression of the 
 experiences of the poet's own life. See notes to Sel. 88. 
 
 111. mftffer. 
 
 First appeared in SBetfe, 1815. 
 
 Time of composition unknown. Attacks upon Goethe were, of course, 
 frequent, and the lines might have been written at many different oc- 
 casions before the year of publication. The thought of the poem is that 
 the attacks of such petty critics merely show that the one attacked is 
 making progress and that silence is the best answer. 
 
 1. 4. &iflt, instead of &eflt. 
 
 112. Otott, emitt unb 293elt. 
 
 In the edition of 1815 Goethe added several new divisions for his col- 
 lected poems, such as ^3arabolifd), ott, emiit unb S&elt, @prid)= 
 irjbrtlid), (S^igvantmattfd). In part these new divisions included poems 
 which had appeared under other headings in previous editions. For 
 example, Iparabolifd), to which Staffer (Sel. in) belonged, also 
 included SHfettant Utlb &ritifer (Sel. i6),and other examples will 
 be cited later in these notes. Nevertheless most of the poems included 
 in these divisions had not been published before the edition of 1815. 
 Of some first published then it is positively known that they are of older 
 origin, a few going back to his youthful days, but of the larger part of 
 them the time at which they were written is unknown. It is fair to as- 
 sume that most of these had originated in the years immediately pre- 
 ceding their publication in the edition of 1815. These statements apply 
 to the selections from 0tt, emitt linb SBelt, given here. 
 
250 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 112-113. 
 
 1. i. A plea for religious tolerance, Wtlfct 2$rttet being the beginning 
 of the Lord's Prayer in the Reformed church, $ater ttttfer among the 
 Lutherans and others. 
 
 1. 5. The two sources of all our knowledge, nature and religion 
 
 (Uberltefertttttj), 9iatnr stands in apposition to $Iur; SBorn is in 
 
 the predicate, the two subjects of the second half being UbcrlicfCttUtft 
 
 and QJnabc. 
 
 1. 9. The gods, the creators of the universe, give us no answer to 
 our questions, Vote, frann, tt>0. We can only know what exists (b<J$ 
 293eil), however much we may speculate about the causes and manner 
 of its origin. 
 
 113. @ 
 
 This was also one of the new divisions of the edition of 1815. See 
 notes to Sel. 112. 
 
 Goethe's growing tendency to the proverb, the epigram, etc., has 
 already been mentioned in the notes to the Venetian epigrams (Sel. 71). 
 As his lyric power waned with his increasing years, the didactic element 
 in him came more and more into evidence. As a result the edition of 
 1815, and still more that of 1827, brings a very large proportion of such 
 poems. The lessening of the undue influence of Greek and Latin 
 literature upon him and his return to things German and more modern 
 is nowhere more strikingly shown than in these later proverbs, epigrams, 
 etc. (In this connection see notes to Sel. 14, 22, 60, 71.) For these 
 brief poems Goethe drew not only on the rich stores of his own ex- 
 perience and of the sententious sayings which he had heard uttered by 
 others, but he also made large use of collections of a similar character, 
 a long list of which was compiled by von Loeper. 
 
 1. i. A greeting for the new year, possibly intended for the begin- 
 ning of 1814, as von Loeper suggests. The thought of the last two 
 lines is the same as that of the familiar saying concerning fighting the 
 devil with fire. 
 
 1. 14. tnar T , supply alS. He means, than to be. 
 
 1. 15. The impossibility of getting rid of all petty annoyances. See 
 also Sel. 87. 
 
 1. 21. Good fortune is the hardest of all things to bear. 
 
 1. 44. geloffett, instead of getoufen. The study of Goethe's life 
 
Sel. 113-115.] NOTES . 251 
 
 confirms amply the truth of his own words here concerning his freedom 
 from envy. 
 
 114. (gjrigrammattfdj. 
 
 This was also one of the new divisions of the edition of 1815. See 
 notes to Sel. 112. 
 
 In the division (Styigramttiatifdf) were also included in the edition of 
 1815 Sine 311 ^obtenj and (SeniaUfdj Sretben (Sel. 20 and 63). 
 
 1. i. This epigram was evidently called forth by the contemplation 
 of his own works and by the thought that his achievements had fallen 
 short of his ideals. 
 
 1. 3. SiefcettfarfjCtt, belongings, baggage, in a deprecatory sense, 
 meaning his literary work, of course. 
 
 1. 19. A longer version of this epigram appeared in 1830 in the 
 periodical dfyaoS, with the date October 25, 1828. 
 
 1. 31. A copy of this epigram was inclosed in Goethe's letter to 
 Zelter of February 23, 1814. 
 
 1. 37. A copy 'was sent to Zelter on April 22, 1814. The epigram 
 expresses the thought that the demand for equality among men is really 
 due to envy. 
 
 1. 39. 9cibl)flrt, here used as a proper name, the typical envious 
 man. 
 
 115. ftiinf rmbere. 
 
 In 1819 Goethe published his 2Beft5jttt(fjer 2)it>att. (The word 
 "Sfoatt means, as used here, a collection of poems by one author.) It 
 was included, with some additions and changes, in the collected edition 
 of his works in 1827, of which it formed the fifth volume. Even at its 
 first appearance in 1819, however, it had for the most part not come 
 fresh from the poet's workshop, as the great body of the poems making 
 up the collection had been written in the years 1814 and 1815 and 
 owed their origin to both remoter and nearer impulses. 
 
 Goethe made his first acquaintance with Oriental literature in his boy- 
 hood, when he became thoroughly familiar with the German Bible and 
 undertook the study of Hebrew. In the latter part of his residence in 
 Frankfort he translated the Song of Solomon into German. When 
 he was working upon his drama Mahomet, he busied himself also with 
 
252 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 115. 
 
 the Koran, and thus became acquainted in some measure with the spirit 
 and contents of Arabic literature. Some traces of his interest in the 
 Orient are to be found in his earlier years at Weimar. Later a German 
 translation of one of Kalidasa's dramas called forth the little poem to 
 Sakuntala. The prologue of this play has apparently left its mark on 
 the $orfoiet to his gaujl. 
 
 The impression made upon him by these literatures of the Orient was, 
 however, not profound until the year 1814. Then he became fascinated 
 by the poems of the Persian Shams ed-din Mohammed Hafiz (in Ger- 
 man spelling Hafis), which he read in the translation of Joseph von 
 Hammer. The time and circumstances were favorable, and Goethe 
 greeted the Persian poet as he had many years before greeted Shake- 
 speare and Homer. 
 
 This interest in the Orient was by no means confined to Goethe. 
 It was in the air, so to speak, and many others felt the impulse as well 
 as he. With him, however, the interest so increased that he felt him- 
 self driven to poetic production as a sort of self-defense. There was 
 much also in the political and social conditions of his fatherland and in 
 his own personal relations, which made this distant-lying theme welcome 
 to him. He himself says in his 2frtnafen under the year 1815 : @d)0n 
 im Dorigen 3afyre roaren mir bie fammtlidjen ebtd)te afi in bet 
 Don >ammer'fd)en Uberfefcung jugefommen, unb roenn id) friiljer ben 
 bier nnb ba in 3eitfd)riften iiberfefct mitgeteitten eiujetuen tiicfen 
 biefeS berrlidjen s $oeten nid)t abgenrinnen fonnte, fo rotrften fie bod) 
 jefct gufammen befto lebfyafter auf mid) etn, unb id) mufjte mid) bagegen 
 probnctit) toerbalten, roeit id) fonft Dor ber madjtigen (Srfdjeinung uid)t 
 fyatte beftefyeu fbnnen. 35ie (Stnroirfung roar ju lebfyaft, bie beutfdje 
 Uberfet^ung lag Dor, unb id) mufjte atjo fjter SBeranlaffiing ftnben ju 
 eigener Seitnafyme. 2UIe, roa bent @toff unb bem @inne nat^ bei 
 mtr 2tt)nltc!)e8 berroa&rt unb gebegt roorben, tt)at fid^ Ijertior, unb bte8 
 mit um fo me^r efttg!ett, a(8 icft ^od)ft notig fuj)Ite mid) au ber 
 rotrHtcbeu Sett, bie fid) felbft offenbar unb im fttllen bebro^te, in 
 eine ibeette ju pd)ten, an roetc&er bergniigttd)en Xeit ^u nebmen 
 meiner uft, gal)ig!eit unb SBitten iiberfaffen roar. 
 
 Early in June, 1814, we find him busied with poems which are now 
 a part of the )tt>an. By August 29 their number had reached thirty. 
 On January II, 1815, Goethe reported to Knebel that he had been 
 
Sel. 115.] NOTES. 253 
 
 spending most of his time of late in the Orient. On May 30, 1815, he 
 made a list of one hundred poems at Wiesbaden (the so-called 2Bie8= 
 Bdber Dfegtfter) and could report that there were about as many more 
 smaller ones. 
 
 The summer of 1815 brought that feminine influence which once 
 more showed itself so powerful in Goethe's productive activity. He 
 spent about six weeks in August and September at the country seat 
 (known as trie erbermiil)te) ; near Frankfort, of his old friend von 
 Willemer, a rich banker. Willemer had in the preceding autumn taken 
 as his third wife a young woman about thirty years of age. She had 
 been for a short time upon the stage and had many social and musical 
 gifts. Goethe had met her in the preceding summer, but the closer 
 intimacy of life in the country home gave rise to a relationship between 
 poet and hostess, which profoundly influenced the 2)tdaiU 
 
 It is true that love poems had already been written for the )idcm and 
 that Hatem and Suleika had been chosen in the preceding May as the 
 names of the lovers; nevertheless, the real Hatem is Goethe and the 
 real Suleika, Marianne Willemer. The rejuvenation of Goethe in the 
 weeks of this relationship was something wonderful. Of a love affair, 
 in the ordinary acceptance of the words, it is not necessary to think, as 
 Goethe doubtless put into the poems an element of passion which did 
 not exist in the actual relation. Nevertheless the inspiration came from 
 Marianne. She was a woman of fine taste and poetic gifts. She was 
 not only able to appreciate Goethe's achievements but also to inspire 
 him by her own example, as two or three of the best poems of the 
 SH&CUl were certainly written by her, and others may have been. 
 
 The greater part of the 2)ittan belongs to the years 1814 and 1815. 
 The division into books took place in the autumn of 1815. The sub- 
 sequent years, before and after the publication of the collection, called 
 into being only about four score of the poems as over against two 
 hundred in the years of chief activity. Preceding and accompanying 
 the writing of the poems was much of reading of Oriental literature and 
 of books of history and travel pertaining to the Orient. It took from 
 March, 1818, to August, 1819, to run tne S)it)0n through the press and 
 present it to the public. 
 
 The 5)ittan can not in all fairness be considered as particularly 
 Oriental in character. It is rather Occidental in form and poetic color- 
 
254 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 115, 11(5. 
 
 ing and still more in thought. Though the poet sought refuge in the 
 Orient, his heart and mind were really more German than in the days 
 of his flight to Italy. The SHDdlt has had numerous imitators and 
 successors. Other poets have been more successful than Goethe in 
 imitating the forms of Oriental poetry, but none has equalled him in 
 the other respects which make poetry worth while. Nevertheless the 
 2)tt)on has generally been regarded as among the least successful of 
 Goethe's lyric achievements. His increased age had perhaps its effect 
 in making the poems seem cold as compared with the fire of his best 
 lyrics : still more the feeling of the reader that he is dealing with some- 
 thing artificial, something for the most part made and not lived. 
 
 ^iinf anbcre is found in the fourth book of the 3)iuan and was writ- 
 ten on December 16, 1814. The poem which precedes it there is en- 
 titled ^iinf 2>inge ; hence anberc in the title to these lines. 
 
 116. egire. 
 
 From the first book of 2Befl*bftUd)er 2)irjart ; see notes to Sel. 115. 
 
 A dated manuscript in Goethe's handwriting shows that this poem 
 was written on December 24, 1814. It stands at the beginning of the 
 first book and was evidently intended as an introduction to the whole 
 collection. It treats the poet's excursion into the Orient as a flight (he- 
 gira) from the rude and painful actualities of his European surroundings 
 into the purer and more restful life of the East. 
 
 11. i, 2. Goethe here refers to the tremendous political and dynastic 
 upheaval caused directly and indirectly by Napoleon. His own appar- 
 ently unsympathetic and unpatriotic attitude in all the years of Germa- 
 ny's political distress has called forth endless comment and explanation. 
 
 1. 6. (Jfytfer, according to Mohammedan legend a vizier and proph- 
 et who partook of the waters of the fountain of perpetual youth. 
 
 1. 14. $)tettft, referring to the worship of other - gods than their 
 own. 
 
 1. 22. 9Jl0fd)tt$, musk. 
 
 1. 34. 5lttt&ra, kind of sweet perfume. 
 
 1. 36. $itH, houri (nymph of Paradise). 
 
Sel. 117-120.] NOTES. 255 
 
 117. tttlabuttg. 
 
 From the eighth book of 2Beft=bftUd)er 2>iDatt ; see notes to Sel. 115. 
 
 This is the opening poem of book @llletfa and was written on De- 
 cember 31, 1814. As von Loeper suggests, it seems to be an invitation 
 to join the poet in his retirement from the world and its pleasures, 
 which he wins for himself, however, by this very act of renunciation. 
 The thought that renunciation and self-sacrifice bring us to our highest 
 good finds frequent expression in Goethe's writings. 
 
 I. 7. geborgett, provided for, safe, secure. 
 
 II. 8-12. He means that for one thus made secure (jjeborgCtt) time 
 can neither give nor take anything away, for love is all. e of 1. 12 
 refers back to ftHer(ieftfte. 
 
 118. 3ft T 3 mogUrf), bafe irf), Sie&djett, bid) lofc ! 
 
 From the eighth book of 28eft=oftUrf)er SHocm; see notes to Sel. 115. 
 
 Conjecturally assigned to a date before January 26, 1815, as the man- 
 uscript of the poem seems to suggest that it belonged to the period of 
 the sixth book, none of the poems of which seem to be of later origin 
 than the date mentioned. 
 
 119. $te 2Belt bureaus ift Heftttdj anpf^auen. 
 
 From the eighth book of 28efi*5fiHd)er 2)iDan; see notes to Sel. 115. 
 The manuscript of the poem is dated February 7, 1815. 
 
 120. jfrmm, Siebrffett, fomm ! umtmnbe mtr bie 
 
 From the eighth book of 2Beft*5ftUd)er SHrjCW ; see notes to Sel. 115. 
 
 Manuscript dated February 17, 1815. Goethe's birthday was cele- 
 brated by the circle of friends at Willemer's house on August 28, 1815, 
 and Marianne gave him, with evident allusion to this poem, a turban of 
 muslin wreathed with laurel. The lover in the poem feels that such a 
 head-covering wrapped about with muslin by his beloved one makes 
 him the equal of any monarch, the headdress being the symbol of au- 
 thority. 
 
256 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 120-123. 
 
 1. 2. ttHiettb, turban. 
 
 I. 3. 51&&H3, meaning Abbas II. of Persia, of whom Goethe says 
 in his 'ftoten unb ^bhanbtungen 311 befferem SerftanbniS be 2Beft=bft* 
 Urfjen S)it)an8, that, like Peter and Frederick, he deserved the title of 
 The Great. 
 
 II. 5-8. Referring to Alexander the Great and his successors as rul- 
 ers of Persia. 
 
 1. 10. "JiniltC getyt tt)0l)l tyitt, the name is of no consequence. 
 1. 15. gelfiltftg, i.e., I know well what it is (inasmuch as I now 
 posse c s it through your loving glances). 
 
 121. (Sin tfatfer tyatte jmci ^affiere. 
 
 From the tenth book of 2Beft=ofttid)er 2)it)att ; see notes to Sel. 115. 
 Manuscript dated February 25, 1815. 
 
 122, eftfinbttiS. 
 
 From the first book of 2Bejl5f!Iid)er Sittan ; see notes to Sel. 115. 
 
 These lines were written at Frankfort on May 27, 1815, and were 
 first published in 2)a Xajdjenbucf) fiir S)amcn auf bag 3>al)r 1817 with 
 the title 2)rci ^rogen. 
 
 1. 8. C^cffcl, evidently a Biblical allusion, as in Matthew v, 15: 
 "Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel." 
 
 123. 2Binf. 
 
 From the second book of 2Beft=5ftUcf)er )it)Cirt ; see notes to Sel. 
 
 "5 
 
 As it is found in the so-called 2BieSbaber Stegijler, it must have been 
 written before May 30, 1815. 
 
 1. i. frtjdtc, the poem just preceding in the 2)tDan is directed against 
 the critics of Hafiz. 
 
 1. 2. ttirfjt cittfad) QCltC, has not merely one meaning. 
 
Sel. 124-127.] NOTES. 257 
 
 124. 993cr tuirb toon ber SBelt toerlmtgett. 
 
 From the fifth book of 2Beft*oftlidjer 3>i&an; see notes to Sel. 115. 
 
 Also in 2Bte8baber Stegtfter and written before May 30, 1815. 
 
 1. 3. Supply bte. (von Loeper.) 
 
 1. 4. ben Xttg be3 ttge3 Derfattlttet, misses the day of days (i.e. 
 the most important day). An older rough draft of the poem has ben 
 jdjonften ag. 
 
 125. $ie $erle, bie ber 9Jhtfd)el etttratttt. 
 
 From the tenth book of 2Beft*oftUdE)er 2>ittan ; see notes to Sel. 115. 
 
 Also in SBieSbabcr. Sftegifter and written before May 30, 1815. Its 
 theme is the sacrifice of the individual for the good of the many. 
 
 1. 7. $att fur $aK, toie e gerabe fommt, giinftig ober ungihtftig. 
 (Duntzer.) 
 
 1. 8. geliittet, instead of gefittet. 
 
 1. 12. @^tmr, string (of pearls}. 
 
 126. patent. 
 
 From the eighth book of 2Beft*bftUcf)er S)iDan; see notes to Sel. 115. 
 
 Manuscript dated September 12, 1815. The Weimar edition states: 
 3te altefle fitter an Marianne gertd)tete ebtc^t. It called forth in 
 reply Marianne's poem @uleifa, which comes immediately after it 
 in the Divan and of which the first stanza runs : 
 
 .oct)beglurft in betner Ciebe 
 @<&elt' ic^ nicfjt clegentjctt ; 
 SBarb ftc and) an bir sum 3)icbc, 
 2Bte mi(^ foli^ ein 9laub erfrcut ! 
 
 For the names Hatem and Suleika see notes to Sel. 115. 
 
 1. 10. $arfttttfef f carbuncle, the precious stone, giving forth a 
 gleam at night and therefore applied to the light of her eyes. 
 
 127. MH ttoUcn SBttfrtjclsiueiflen. 
 
 From the eighth book of 2Beft=ofttic^er 2)iban ; see notes to Sel. 115. 
 Manuscript dated September 24, 1815. This is another of the poems 
 
258 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 127-129. 
 
 to Marianne. It was called forth by the sight of the chestnuts in the 
 castle grounds at Heidelberg, where Goethe had been writing poeYns 
 that morning. He had left Frankfort on September 18, and arrived in 
 Heidelberg two days later. The Willemers joined him here on the 23d 
 and left on the 26th. The brief visit was full of significance for Goethe, 
 and this poem is undoubtedly a reflection of the joy of meeting Mari- 
 anne again. 
 
 128. 2Bo man mtr QhttS erseigt, 
 
 These lines, which were originally intended for Goethe's 3)tt)an, were 
 first published by von Loeper in 1868. Since then the rough draft of 
 the first version has been discovered and reprinted by Burdach in Vol. 
 XI of oethe=3al)l'bnd). This first version was seemingly written at 
 Meiningen on October 10, 1815, as Goethe was on his way from Hei- 
 delberg to Weimar. The lines, as given here in the revised version, are 
 of a later date, as yet unknown. It is probable, however, that the poet 
 undertook the revision in view of the publication of the )it>an, and 
 then, for some unexplained reason, omitted it from the collection. In 
 both versions, but perhaps even more in the first, it shows the remark- 
 able rejuvenation that had taken place in Goethe in the SHticm period 
 (Burdach). In form the poem is an imitation of the gazel, an Oriental 
 meter, in which one of the rimes is constant. 
 
 1. 2. (Silfer, the wine of 1811 had been particularly abundant and 
 good, and Goethe was meeting it everywhere. 
 
 1. 14. friiiippclnb, bdjaglidj trinfenb. (Diintzer.) 
 
 129. $eite garftige $ettel 
 
 From the ninth book of SSeft=oftIidE)er 2)irjcm ; see notes to Sel. 115. 
 
 Manuscript dated October 25, 1815; written therefore after the re- 
 turn to Weimar. The world had robbed him of faith and hope, so the 
 poem runs, and to save his remaining treasure, love, he divided it be- 
 tween Suleika and Saki, and thereby regained all that he had lost. 
 
 1. 9. rift . . . ait3, broke away. 
 
 1. 14. (Sttfi, name of the waiter-boy in the 2)it>on, of whom von 
 Loeper says: )er jugleid) at8 bienenber ^age itnb al$ Derehrenber 
 be8 3)id)ter8 311 bcnfcn ift. 
 
Sel. 129, 130.] NOTES. 259 
 
 11. 19-23. Belief in her (Ujre could, however, just as well mean 
 their) love is the return of faith, and the wine which the boy gives him, 
 glorifies the present, so that there is no need of hope. 
 
 130. Sijiitbohtnt. 
 
 First appeared in 1816 in efcinge fiir ^retmaureiv jum ebraudj 
 alter beittfcfjen ogen ; taken into 28erfe, 1827. 
 
 Goethe became a Mason in June, 1780, and took at intervals a very 
 active interest in the order. Under the title oge he published in the 
 edition of 1827 several poems called forth by his connection with 
 Masonry, the number of which was later increased by two. According 
 to Diintzer, Goethe's son August was taken into the order on December 
 5, 1815, and the poem was written on the preceding day in anticipation 
 of that event. The tone of tjmbolum is mystical, several passages are 
 obscure, and one or two possibly defy interpretation. 
 
 It was one of Carlyle's favorite poems. He gives a translation of it 
 at the close of the third book of his Past and Present and says of it : 
 " To me, finding it devout yet wholly credible and veritable, full of piety 
 yet free of cant; tb me, joyfully finding much in it, and joyfully missing 
 so much in it, this little snatch of music, by the greatest German Man, 
 sounds like a stanza in the grand Road-Song 9S& Marching- Song 'of our 
 great Teutonic Kindred, wending, wending, valiant and victorious, 
 through the undiscovered Deeps of Time ! " 
 
 I.I. The Mason's ways. (Carlyle.) 
 
 1. 8. As punctuated here, in agreement with the Weimar edition, 
 frf)ritttt>ei must modify brtltgClt tiortvfirtS, we press boldly on, although 
 to our glance, merely step by step. Most editions have no point after 
 (Stticfe and a semicolon after iBUrfe, "the future hides, step by step 
 from our sight, sorrow and happiness." 
 
 1. ii. Uttb fdjttJCr . . . (Ijrfttrd)t f what is meant here is not clear. 
 Diintzer says with reference to the whole stanza : >ie brttte @tropf)e 
 bejieljt ftd) auf ba 3enfeit, ba eine Spiifle itttS toerbirgt, ttelcfye (l)r* 
 furrfjt erregt, ba md)t8 un bariiber aufftdrt ; Me ettrigen @terne fcer= 
 fiinben un itidjts bom 3enfeit, unb bte raber jeugen nur toon ber 
 SBergangttC^feit. Probably no better explanation can be given, but 
 how Diintzer comes to it is not very evident. 
 
260 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 130-133. 
 
 1. 1 6. fie apparently refers to 
 
 1. 19. umnbdnbe @d)rwer, toectyfetnbe @d)auer, @(i)ouer liber 
 @d)cmer. (Diintzer.) The thought of the life beyond the grave causes 
 even the bravest to be filled with dread and solemn feelings. 
 
 1. 21. In the last two stanzas the voices of the departed admonish to 
 activity and promise reward in the hereafter. 
 
 1. 28. Jttit $ittte, abundantly. 
 
 131. $>ett 6. Stttti 1816, 
 
 First appeared in SBerfe, 1827. 
 
 Goethe's wife died on the day given in the title, and the lines refer 
 to that event. This is one more proof of Goethe's very genuine love 
 for her. 
 
 132. Kit fllcjrniibcr toon .fritmbolbt. 
 
 First appeared in 9?ad)g eta ff ene 2Ber!e, 1833. 
 
 Humboldt had sent to Goethe his work, Uber bie 33ertfiei(ung ber 
 ^flanjengeftaften ailf bent (Srbbobett. (Strehlke.) It must have arrived 
 after Christiane's death. These lines are Goethe's reply. 
 
 133. 23aflabe. 
 
 First appeared in Goethe's periodical, Uber $ltnft imb 2UtertIjum, 
 1820; taken into SBerfe, 1827. 
 
 The title here given is Goethe's own; most editions add to it the 
 words, tjom oertriebenen uub suriicffefyrenben rafen. This is one of 
 the themes which Goethe, according to his own statement in the essay 
 SBebeutenbe gorbernig burd) etn einjigeg geiftreidjeS SSort, had carried 
 about with him for many years. In 1821 Goethe printed in Uber $lillft 
 unb 2lltertl)um an interpretation of the poem and explained that an old 
 English ballad had given him his interest in the theme many years be- 
 fore. It is believed that he meant The Beggar's Daughter of Bednall- 
 Green, as given in Percy's Reliques of Ancient English Poetry. Goethe's 
 diary shows that he began the ballad in the autumn of 1813, completing 
 the first eighty-one lines in November. In 1814 he planned to use the 
 theme for an opera, but never carried out his purpose. The last two 
 
Sel. 133.] NOTES. 261 
 
 stanzas were not completed till near the end of 1816, as the correspon- 
 dence with Zelter shows. He said to Eckermann in 1828 (efprfidjc, 
 II, 31) : 3d) &abe bte 23attabe lange nut mtr Ijeriimgetragen, . . . efje id) 
 jte mcberfdjrieb ; e fterfen 3abre rjon 9?ad)benfen bartn, unb id) fyabe fie 
 brei= bi8 triermat rjerfud)t, ebe ftc mir fo getingeu tooflte, trite fie jet ift. 
 
 i. The two children invite the old musician to enter the castle. 
 
 5- gangett, instead of gegangen. 
 
 10. Here the old man begins his song. 
 
 11. cr, i.e. ber raf of 1. 13. 
 
 .21. finger, also ber raf, now become wandering musician and 
 beggar. 
 
 1. 32. Lit., "he does not know how to act because of his joy," i.e. 
 his joy was boundless. 
 
 1. 44. ftltf grimettbem $to^, on the green, probably a reminiscence 
 of the English ballad. 
 
 1. 51. Through the word iff) the musician reveals himself as the 
 grandfather of the children. Notice the same artifice in 1. 44 of Ut8 
 ^Barf (Sel. 30). 
 
 1. 59. Ctferttcn Srfjcrgctt, addressed to the men whom he commands 
 to arrest the musician. 
 
 1. 66. $cr fiirftltrfje tofee, i.e. the father of the children, who for 
 the moment controls his rage, only to have it break out the more 
 violently. 
 
 1. 71. CfdjieI)t , . . JRerfjt, serves me just right. 
 
 1. 75- XobCtt ttnb UBiitett, i-e. of the son-in-law, who speaks the 
 next lines. 
 
 1. 77. Explained by 1. 80. 
 
 1. 82. Here the old man begins to speak to the mother and the 
 children, being $ater of the one and 2Ujn 0- 84) of the others. 
 
 1. 89. He has with him documents signed with the seal of the king 
 (Stegeltt), which attest his right to the castle. 
 
 1. 91. We are to understand that the rightful king had been driven 
 out of the kingdom many years before, and that the old man, being one 
 of his supporters, had assumed the guise of a minstrel and beggar to 
 protect himself. Now the king returns. 
 
 1. 93- iejjel, before he fled from his castle he had hidden his 
 treasures. Now he reveals their hiding place. 
 
262 GOETHES GEDICIITE. [Sel. 134-136. 
 
 134. Urn 9Kittetarf}t. 
 
 First appeared in Zelter's Sfteite Sieberfammtling, 1821; taken into 
 SBerfe, 1827. 
 
 Written on February 13, 1818. Concerning its origin Goethe himself 
 remarked in Uber $unft llllb 3Uterthum in 1822 (Vol. Ill, 3, p. 171) : 
 2J?cm taffe midj befennen, bafc id), mit bent @d)tag 3J2itternad)t, tm 
 beflften SBoflmonb auS guter, maftig aufgeregter, geiftreid) annuitiger 
 efeflfdjaft jnriicffehrenb, ba8 ebid)t au8 bem tegreife nieberfdjrieb, 
 obne aud) nur friifjer cine fining batoon gebabt gu l^abcn. The poem 
 remained a favorite with Goethe. In 1826 he remarked to Eckermann 
 (ef^rad)C I, 197) : 2)a teb ,,Um Sftitternadjt" ^at jetn 33erbattniS 
 311 mtr ntc^t berloren, cS ift ton mir nod^ ciu lebenbtger Sett unb lebt 
 mit mir fort. The poem contrasts his feelings as boy, as youthful 
 lover, and as elderly man. 
 
 1. 12. ut3 $inftere f in ba 2)nnfel jetner @cde. (Duntzer.) 
 
 135. n Ofr&itlein t>ott 
 
 First appeared in the periodical dljaoS, 1830; not taken into Goethe's 
 works until comparatively recent editions. 
 
 Goethe had had in his hands for some time the album of Schiller's 
 youngest daughter without making the desired entry. (Duntzer.) This 
 explains the allusion in the first stanza. The whole serves as one 
 more example of the numerous poems of occasion with Goethe was 
 called upon to write, especially in his later years. (See notes to Sel. 
 loo.) The demands upon him were enormous, and in the case of such 
 poems, more than any others, it is evident that Goethe was often com- 
 pelled to take to heart his own lines in the 35orfpiel to 
 
 ebt itjr cud) ctnmat fur 
 o fommanbiert bte 
 
 136. 
 
 From the twelfth book of SSefkoftUdjer 2>it)an; see notes to Sel. 1 15. 
 First printed in the announcement of the 9lu8gabe letter CUtb, in 
 March, 1826, and then taken into this edition in 1827. 
 
Sel. 136-139.] NOTES. 263 
 
 The manuscript is dated Htff, April 24, 1820. Goethe was then on 
 his way to Karlsbad. The idea of the poem seems to have been sug- 
 gested by Moore's Lalla Rookh. Instead of an angel, as called for by 
 Mohammedan faith, Goethe places a houri (a nymph of Paradise) as 
 watcher before the entrance. She sees no signs of wounds and is 
 therefore unwilling to admit the poet. The first stanza of his reply 
 might easily stand as a fit motto for the whole of Goethe's life, (von 
 Loeper) . 
 
 1. 13. not so many trifling formalities ! 
 
 1. 29. (Seriltgent, i. e. he is not the least worthy among those who 
 enter Paradise. 
 
 137. fiuft uub dual. 
 
 First appeared in liber $iinft unb 5lltcrt&ltm, 1820; taken into 
 SSerfe, 1827. 
 
 Evidently of much earlier origin than the date of publication, al- 
 though nothing is known positively of the time at which it was written. 
 It was probably among the old poems which Goethe's diary reports as 
 being revised on December 24, 1815. 
 
 1. 3- falfdjC afce, referring to the bait. 
 
 1. 19. tttidj gitrtett, gird myself (and make ready to go). 
 
 1. 20. tt)ie, however much. 
 
 138. SBetttt id) auf bem 2ttarfte gel) r . 
 
 First appeared in Uber tetft unb ^tterthlim, 1821; taken into 
 Berfe, 1827. 
 
 Nothing further is known concerning its origin. 
 
 139. $u gittgft twitter ? 9Sie ! \$ fnl) bid) ttirfjt. 
 
 First appeared in 3Ber!e, 1827. 
 
 These lines were written at Marienbad in the summer of 1823, and 
 were addressed to Ulrike von Levetzow in answer to her reproach that 
 he had repeatedly met her without recognizing her ((^oethe-Stahfbiicf), 
 VIII, 1 66.) For further details concerning Ulrike see notes to next 
 selection. 
 
264 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 140. 
 
 140. <legte. 
 
 Lines 79-83 first appeared in Uber $unft linb Hltert&um, 1825; the 
 poem as a whole was taken into SBerfe, 1827. It there appeared as 
 the second part of ri(ogie ber eibenjd)af t, with the sub-title (Stegte. 
 
 Although this poem appears in all editions of Goethe's works as part 
 of XrUogte ber Eeibenfdjaft, it really originated as a separate poem. 
 This so-called HJJartenbabei: (Slegte commemorates a new love affair of 
 Goethe. In the summer of 1823, the aged poet once more visited the 
 Bohemian health resort Marienbad. Here he met again Frau von Lev- 
 etzow and her three daughters. His acquaintance with the mother was 
 by no means recent. He had known her certainly since the summer of 
 1806 and perhaps longer, and had met her and her family at Marienbad 
 in 1821 as well as the following year. In the latter year began the clos- 
 er intimacy with the oldest of Frau von Levetzow's daughters, Ulrike. 
 She was then a girl of eighteen, having been born on February 4, 1804. 
 
 How far Goethe's affections were moved in 1822 is uncertain, but in 
 the summer of 1823, there flamed up in him a youthful passion for the 
 charming young maiden. Much of mystery surrounds, as yet, the fur- 
 ther development of this love drama. It has been affirmed, although 
 with little probability, that Goethe made proposals of marriage. His 
 affection was, however, so apparent that it became a subject of gossip 
 among his friends and acquaintances, and rumors of it spread over Ger- 
 many. It is said that Karl August, who was also at Marienbad, called 
 Ulrike's attention, through her mother, to the possibility of a union with 
 Goethe, but whether her reply was favorable or unfavorable is a matter 
 of dispute. It is probable that the affair had taken the usual course 
 with Goethe (see notes to Sel. 25), and that after the first warmth of 
 interest for Ulrike he saw clearly the difficulties in his way and per- 
 ceived that the only safety was in renunciation. 
 
 The Levetzow family left Marienbad about the middle of August and 
 went to Karlsbad. A little more than a week later Goethe joined them 
 at the latter resort, as had been agreed upon. Twelve days later, on 
 September 5, he began his return journey to Weimar. On that day he 
 commenced his (Slegie. His diary shows that he was engaged in writ- 
 ing it, or revising it, on several of the days following and that the final 
 copy was finished at Weimar, on September 18. Goethe and Ulrike 
 
Sel. 140.] NOTES. 265 
 
 never met again. That her feelings for him were more than those of 
 respect and admiration is not probable. She was never married and is 
 still living (in 1899) on her estate in Bohemia, the last survivor of all 
 those who were ever bound to Goethe by strong personal ties. 
 
 The motto is taken from the last speech in Goethe's Tasso (1. 3432- 
 33). The theme of the drama is also parting and renunciation, and 
 these lines express once more the thought that the poet finds assuagement 
 of grief in his art. 
 
 1. i. Goethe began to write the poem in the coach on the morning 
 of his departure from Karlsbad. We may regard the first stanza as his 
 own soliloquy on approaching the inn at Karlsbad, where Ulrike was stay- 
 ing, and where he was to meet her again after the days of separation since 
 her departure from Marienbad. The day was like an unopened bud. 
 Which was it to bring, the certainty of her love, or the knowledge that 
 she was not for him ? But the sight of her banished all his doubts and 
 opened, as it were, the gates of heaven for him. His diary has under 
 date of August -25, the following: egett 4 Ufyr in $arlbab . . . 2M* 
 bung bet ^rau toon ^etiet^ott). liber ifjr tm 2. todf rjom golbenen traiifj 
 eingqogen. 
 
 1. 4. UiaitfeffhtnijJ, he means, what wavering and doubt there is in 
 his mind. 
 
 1. 7. This stanza and the following deal with the days at Karlsbad. 
 
 1. 13. nid)t, to be omitted in English. 
 
 1. 15. StCjjel, seal (and promise that the morrow should be as to- 
 day, as explained in the next line). 
 
 1. 19. The verb is omitted. Strehlke suggests the insertion of er= 
 fotgte or Voarb gcgeben. The stanza deals with the poet's departure 
 from Karlsbad, the final separation from Ulrike. 
 
 1. 25. Supply crj as subject. Through this play on the word tjcr= 
 frf)I0ffeit f Goethe makes the transition to his present state of mind, now 
 that he has left Karlsbad and is filled with the sense of his loss. 
 
 1. 32. (Srfjattett, i.e. of the forest. 
 
 1. 35- (Btofje, meaning the sky, to which the adjectives of the next 
 line apply. 
 
 1. 37. For a moment he fancies that he sees Ulrike as a vision in 
 the clouds. 
 
 1. 47. Lit., one is transformed into many. This is explained by 
 tted)felttbe eftattcn of the preceding line. 
 
266 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 140. 
 
 1. 49. In his thoughts he is with her again and remains with her 
 through the following stanzas to 1. 108. This and the next line are prob- 
 ably to be taken quite literally, as if she had actually met him at the 
 entrance to the house. The situation points clearly to Marienbad, even 
 though the poet actually arrived there before the Levetzow family. As 
 he wrote the poem, he was doubtless, thinking of the days passed with 
 her without regard to whether they were in the one health resort or the 
 other. The much kissing is probably the poet's invention. 
 
 1. 53. Hat bcWCfllicf), clear (vivid} though changing. He was think- 
 ing of her in all the differing situations of their daily intercourse. 
 
 1. 61. Goethe had been in bad health in the months preceding his 
 stay at Marienbad in 1823. His physical and mental improvement was 
 great at the health resort, and he credits all the change to the influence 
 of Ulrike. &*nr.. .ucrfrilumiitiCH refers to the days before Marienbad; 
 tft . . . tjcfunbeu to the change which the summer brought. The next 
 stanza continues the contrast. 
 
 1. 65. (cgetftet, animated, gave renewed energy of life and mind. 
 The explanation of how this was done follows in the next stanzas. 
 
 1. 71. bOtt Bef mutter djtoefle, referring to the house in which Ul- 
 rike and her family lived in Marienbad. Goethe had been their guest in 
 this house the preceding summer. In 1823 he lived in an inn opposite. 
 73. See Philippians iv, 7. 
 
 82. eittrfitfeutb fid), solving for one's self the riddle of. 
 87. fo, which, used as a relative and modifying etbftftnn. 
 
 90. mcflflcfrijaucrt, fled in fright. 
 
 95. That is, each day bought its own pleasures. 
 97. What she means is somewhat obscure. Apparently the advice 
 is to do as the moment bids, not to delay but to act with the whole- 
 heartedness of a child. 
 
 1. 103. 2)tt tyaft flttt rebel!, it is easy for you to talk thus. 
 
 1. 107. 293tttf, hint. Where he finds the hint that he must leave her 
 in what she says, is not so very evident. This and the following line 
 seem to be brought in without evident connection with what precedes, 
 in order to mark the transition back to his present state, as set forth in 
 the next stanza. 
 
 1. in. Although the present moment offers him much that is beauti- 
 ful and good, his grief is such that he can not avail himself of it. 
 
Sel. 140-142.] NOTES. 267 
 
 11. 119-121. The ills of the body might be healed, but not those of 
 his mind. What ails the mind is explained in (J-ntfdjlllff, SSHflCtt and 
 
 SSegriff ; 53egriff is further explained by tote , , * toenntffett, He can 
 
 not yet comprehend that he must do without her. t 
 
 1. 126. 233e<JJJCltoffett f his traveling companions were his servant 
 Stadelmann and his secretary John. The one was interested in geology, 
 the other in meteorology. They can continue their investigations, but 
 his loss had made him now incapable of taking his former interest in 
 the phenomena of nature. 
 
 1. 133. 3(tt f here a substantive. 
 
 1. 135. ^unborn, the wife of Epimetheus, the brother of Prome- 
 theus. She was endowed by the gods with great beauty and with many 
 gifts, but her curiosity led her to open a certain jar in the house of her 
 husband, which he had been commanded to keep closed. Thereupon a 
 multitude of evils escaped to torment men. She put back the lid, how- 
 ever, in time to prevent the escape of hope. 
 
 1. 137. gdfcefeltg, giving bounteously. 
 
 141. @rf)fo SeltJebere tit ber 2lfcettbfomte. 
 
 First appeared in 9?ad)gelaffene SBerfe, 1833. 
 
 The ducal castle Belvedere near Weimar was occupied at the time of 
 writing this poem by the wife of the heir apparent, Maria Paulowna, a 
 Russian princess, for whom Goethe cherished much good will. The 
 poem is included among the many ebtd)tc \\\ 33itbcm, and has com- 
 monly been entitled : 2ftit einem 33Ubd)ert : @d)lo|3 SBefoebere in ber 
 5tbenbfonne. 
 
 142, 23Ub be3 elterlt(f)ett awfe3 %\\ &ranffurt am 
 
 First appeared in 9?ad)getaffene SBerfe, 1833. 
 
 Rosel, a Berlin artist, had sent to Goethe a drawing of the court of the 
 house at Frank fore and a dozen etched copies as a birthday present in 
 1825. In his ktter years Goethe not infrequently sent pictures, accom- 
 panied by lines of his own composition, as gifts to friends, and one of 
 the etchings of the house at Frankfort found its way to Klinger, together 
 with these lines. Maximilian Klinger (1752-1831) was also born at 
 
268 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 142, 143. 
 
 Frankfort. With painful pecuniary struggles he gained his education 
 and began his career as a dramatist. He was the author of the play 
 @turm unb S)rang, the title of which gave the name to that period in 
 ( German literature to which the play itself belongs. Later he went to 
 Russia, became a general there, and was held in much honor. 
 
 The poem was seemingly written in the first place for Klinger and 
 probably sent to him in the summer of 1826. It must not be taken too 
 literally, however, as it is very doubtful whether Goethe and Klinger 
 knew each other at an age when they would play about the well at the 
 former's house. The days of their first intimacy came most likely when 
 they were young men together at Frankfort. On June II, 1826, Goethe 
 sent the picture and these lines to the duchess of Cumberland. The 
 writing of the poem must therefore have been somewhat earlier. 
 
 143. 3m crnften S3einJ|att3 toar'3, too it) befetyaute. 
 
 First appeared in the 2Ui8gabe letter anb, 1829, at the close of the 
 third book of Sittjetm 2ftetfter8 SBcmberjahre. Editions since then 
 have included it among the poems with the title, S3ct SBetradjtling don 
 @(f)iHer @d)abet, which was, however, not given to it by Goethe. 
 
 Small respect had been paid to Schiller's remains when they were de- 
 posited at the time of his death in the vault of St. Jacob's church at 
 Weimar. In 1826 it was decided to empty the vault. The burgomas- 
 ter of Weimar intervened and endeavored to find Schiller's coffin. That 
 proved to be impossible, and he then had a number of the skulls brought 
 out; from these one was selected, which was believed to be Schiller's, 
 in which opinion Goethe agreed. On September 17, 1826, the skull 
 was deposited in the pedestal of the bust of Schiller in the Weimar li- 
 brary. What was believed to be the remainder of Schiller's skeleton was 
 gathered together in the same month and likewise deposited in the lib- 
 rary. Skull and skeleton were afterwards inclosed in a coffin and 
 placed in the ducal vault in the Weimar cemetery. By them the re- 
 mains of Goethe also rest. 
 
 A manuscript of the poem in Goethe's handwriting has on it the words, 
 gum 17. @ept. 1826, through which a line has been drawn and 
 below is written, 25. @ept. 1826. The latter of these dates is 
 probably the day of the completion of the poem, while the former shows 
 
Sel. 143, 144.] NOTES. 269 
 
 the occasion for which Goethe first planned it, the day on which the 
 skull was placed in the pedestal of Schiller's bust. With effective poe- 
 tic fiction Goethe represents himself as standing in the vault of the 
 church in the midst of the skeletons of the unknown dead, when he be- 
 held the skull whose noble proportions called forth his glowing eulogy. 
 There is nothing in the lines to indicate to us that it was Schiller's skull, 
 nothing to reveal the occasion which called forth the poem. The 
 measure here used in imitation of Dante, the terza-rima, was employed 
 by Goethe elsewhere only in $;auft, II, 11. 4679-4727. 
 
 1. i. 23etttljau3, charnel house. 
 
 1. 15. 2tbe$)tett, i.e. to him as skilled in osteology and phrenology, 
 and possibly also as the intimate friend of Schiller. @d)rift refers 
 probably to the form of the skull as indicating the character of the mind 
 which it once inclosed. 
 
 1. 18. (Sjebilb, referring to the skull. 
 
 I. 23. ^tc flOttgebttrfjtc <Spttr, i.e. the form of the skull told of the 
 intellectual greatness of the man. 
 
 II. 24, 25. The sight (of the noble proportions of the skull) trans- 
 ported him to that sea which, swelling, streams forth ever higher (geftei= 
 gerte) forms. Blume explains: 3)a 9fteer . . . ift bag 2e6en, ba @ein, 
 tteld)e in feiner fortfdjreitenben (Sntttricftang intmcr hohere Organic* 
 men herrjorbringt. 
 
 1. 26. $effif$, referring to the skull. 
 
 H- 33 > 34- Referring to the mutual action and reaction of mind and 
 matter and to the manner in which either may influence and change the 
 other. 
 
 144. ebirf)te fwb gcmattc &enfterfd)ei&en, 
 
 First appeared in SSerfe, 1827. 
 
 The time at which it was written is unknown. Poems are like stained 
 glass windows of churches in that they must be seen from within and 
 that we must seek to put ourselves in the same frame of mind as the poet 
 in order to appreciate them. 
 
 1. 4. $I)Uifter, Philistine, one without taste and interest in art and 
 literature. 
 
270 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 145. 
 
 145. oflljntc -Semen. 
 
 Of the gobme Xenien, given here Nos. 1-6, appeared in liber $ltnft 
 unb SUtertbum, 1820; 7-9, in liber $unft imb SHtertbum, 1821; 10, 
 n, in liber $unft unb 9lltertbum, 1824; 12-22, in SBerfe, l82 7 ( in 
 which the preceding numbers were reprinted) ; 23-30, after Goethe's 
 death, as indicated below. 
 
 Goethe's growing interest with his increasing years in the proverb, 
 epigram, etc., which has already been mentioned in the notes to Selec- 
 tions 71 and 113, was shown by the publication in 1820 in liber $ltltft 
 imb 9Htertf)Um of a series of 3&f)nte 3Eenien, which was followed by fur- 
 ther series in the years 1821 and 1824. The edition of 1827 contained 
 six Slbteilungen of at)mt Xenien. Editions appearing since Goethe's 
 death, together with the new Weimar, have added three, making in all 
 nine divisions, or nearly six hundred, of the Xentetl. Of the most it is 
 impossible to fix the date of composition. The great body must have 
 been written in the years 1815-1827, a few are of an earlier, and a few 
 of a later date. The word $ahm shows their prevailingly peaceful tone, 
 as contrasted with the polemic character of the original eniett (see 
 notes to Sel. 80). Goethe drew here on sources outside his own life 
 and experience to a less degree than in the previous collections, prid)" 
 tt)ort(td), (Spigrammatifd), etc. 
 
 1. i. Only he is fit to lead in the present, who knows the history of 
 the past. 
 
 1. 5. eilt ftbtttfl Sent, because wholly alone, all with like sympathies 
 and tastes having died before him, and the new generation having its 
 own interests which he can not share. 
 
 1. 13. One of Goethe's @priid)e in ^3rofa says: 3d) bebcmre bie 
 2ttenfd)en, tt)eld)e Don ber 2$ergarujHd)feit ber 3)inge triel 28efen madjen 
 unb ftd) in 33etrad)tung irbifdjer 9?id)tigfeit rjerlieren : ftnb trjtr ja 
 eben beSbatb ba, urn ba SBergangUcfye im&ergangtidj git madjen ; bag 
 fann ja nur babiird) gefd)ehen, menn man beibeS gu fdjajjen nwft. 
 
 1. 29. See notes to Sel. 151. 
 
 1. 51. This saying was sent to Zelter on August 8, 1822. In the 
 sixth book of 2)id)tung unb SSobrbett (p. 39) Goethe says : 3o, e rjer* 
 brofj mid) gar febr, als id) bernabm rotiits babe iibermutig geaiiftert, 
 er leje ben erenj anberS als bie ^nabeu. 
 
Sel. 145.] NOTES. 271 
 
 1. 60. The right conquers in the end, the base may triumph for a 
 time but must finally succumb. 
 
 1. 74. We are what the experiences of mankind in the past and our 
 present environment make of us. 
 
 1. 78. t, referring back to $inb. 
 
 1. 80. UinfittirjClt, surround with moral influences. tfytt, the pro- 
 noun is here changed abruptly to the masculine, because the child has 
 now become a youth. 
 
 1. 87. tierbucft, abashed. 
 
 1. 94. al 5(utorf)tf)0nc, to be an autochthon. 
 
 1. 98. The description of his father and mother agrees with what he 
 says in 3)id)tltng linb SBabrbeit. The allusion to the grandparents is 
 more remote and hardly to be taken literally. He here applies to him- 
 self what he has said in a more general way in the two preceding 
 BEenten. 
 
 1. no. He returns again to the statement that all that he has written 
 is one long confessian. 
 
 1. 118. First appeared in 9?ad)getdffene SSerfe, 1833. The thought 
 is allied to that of lines 90-109. He who believes that he is self-made 
 and will learn nothing from others, shows by his own work that he 
 really has learned nothing. 
 
 1. 121. b(lU(lctj, lit., "accordingly," say, it looks that way (that is, as 
 if you had learned nothing from others). 
 
 1. 122. First appeared in 3Ber!e, 1836. 
 
 In 1819 a plan to erect a monument to Goethe in Frankfort was pro- 
 jected and a public appeal for subscriptions was made in the next year. 
 Goethe's poem probably belongs to this period. The undertaking failed 
 then, although a monument was erected in 1844. Heine's sonnet, S)dS 
 projeftterte j)en!mal OCtljeg, written in 1821, rails greatly at the com- 
 mercial spirit, as he conceived it, which led Frankfort to plan such a 
 monument as a business advertisement, and expressed the same idea as 
 this poem : (gin S)en!mot hat fid) oetfoe felbft gefefct. 
 
 1. 126. First appeared in 2Ber!e, 1840. 
 
 1. 134. First appeared in the periodical (&ao ; taken into S'Jac^* 
 gefaffene SBerte, 1833. 
 
 1. 142. First appeared in Seipjiger 2J?ujenatmonarf), 1831; taken 
 into Serfe, 1836. 
 
272 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 145. 
 
 Inclosed in the letter of July 17, 1827, to Zelter, where it was intro- 
 duced by the words, 33or eintgeit Sogen erging idj mid) in folgenben 
 3etlen. Goethe was not wholly without interest in the United. States, 
 particularly in his latter years. Americans visiting in Weimar must have 
 helped somewhat to make him familiar with the intellectual life of the 
 country. Harvard College possesses a number of volumes of Goethe's 
 works, a gift from him. The letter of presentation, dated August n, 
 1819, states: S)ic betfotgenben bid)tertfd)en unb unffentfd)aftUd)en 
 SBerfe fdjenfe id) ber 93ibliotbef ber Unitterfitat ju (Sambribge in 9^eu= 
 (Sngfanb al8 &ifyn ntciner tiefen eUnabme fur iljren boben ttnffen= 
 fdjafttidjen (Sharafter iinb fiir ben erfo(greid)en (Stfer, ben fie in einer fo 
 fongen 9Mbe Don 3abren fiir bie gbrberung griinblidjer unb anmutiger 
 S3itbnng benriefen bat. 
 
 Struve's 23eitrage $ur 9HineraIogie nnb eologie beS nbrbttd^en 
 5lmerifa, 1822, had called forth Goethe's comment (as cited by von 
 Loeper) : UbrigenS ift jener SBeltteit gtiidtli^ ju ^reifen, ba^ er bie 
 tnlfanifd)en SBirfungen entbe^rt, tuoburd) benn bie eotogie ber nenen 
 2BeIt einen roett fefteren (Sbarafter jeigt al ber atten, \vo niditg mefyr 
 anf feftem ^li^e gn fteben fd^eint. Volcanic operations have, however, 
 been tremendous in the United States, and the opinion held in Goethe's 
 times was due to the fact that so little of this country had been studied 
 by geologists. 
 
 Prince Bernhard, the youngest son of Karl August, had returned to 
 Weimar in the autumn of 1826 after a journey to America. Goethe 
 had read his diary in manuscript before its publication and had been 
 greatly interested in it. This interest may have been the direct cause 
 of the poem. The thought, which runs through it, is the familiar one 
 that the nation is fortunate which has no history. 
 
 1. 145. $nfalt, a mistaken view, as stated above. 
 
 1. 153. Called forth by the flood of poor novels of his time. 
 
 1. 154. First appeared in 97od)geloffene SBerfe, 1833. 
 
 1. 158. First appeared in 9?dtf)gelaffene SBerfe, 1833. Probably 
 written about 1815. 
 
 1. 159. In November, 1813, Goethe remarked to Luden (Bieder- 
 mann, oetl)e efprodje, III, 103) : 3dj babe oft einen bittern 
 (Sdjmeq empfunben bei bem ebanten an bag beiitfdje SSoIf, bag fo 
 adjtbar tm (Sinjelnen unb fo mtferabet im anjen ijl. The events 
 
Sel. 145-148.] NOTES. 273 
 
 which led up to the final and complete overthrow of Napoleon, caused 
 him to believe that the Germans were, after all, capable of uniting to 
 perform a great deed. 
 
 1. 163. His wish was fulfilled in the establishment of the German 
 Empire in 1871. 
 
 1. 164. First appeared in ^adjgetaffene SBerfc, 1833. It shows 
 Goethe's conservative attitude with reference to government by con- 
 stitution. 
 
 146. $er turfucf ttue bie 
 
 First appeared in iBertincr Sftufenatmanarf) fur baS 3afir 1830 ; taken 
 into 9?ad)ge(affene SBerte, 1833, as one of the poems of (hinefifdj= 
 3)eutfd)e 3al)re8- unb agejeiten. 
 
 Goethe's interest in Chinese literature revived in the early months of 
 1827, and the result was the writing of Sbineftfcf)=S)eutfd)e 3af)re* unb 
 SageSjeiteil in the spring of that year. Goethe spent several weeks in 
 May and June at.his artenl)au8d)eu on the Ilm, and while there com- 
 posed the series of poems with this title. (See Biedermann's essay on 
 the subject in oethe^orfdjungeti, neite $olQe, 426.) 
 
 1. 6. This seems to mean that he had previously been able to see his 
 sweetheart in her garden; now the foliage hides from his view also her 
 gay garden house in Chinese style. 
 
 1. 12. DftClt. Where his sweetheart is, is always the Orient, the 
 rising sun. 
 
 147. $te fttfle ftmtbe rooflt iljr ftoren ? 
 
 History of origin and publication the same as for the preceding poem. 
 As Biedermann remarks, the sentiment is not Chinese but the poet's 
 own. 
 
 148. >em aufgefyettben Sottmonbc. 
 
 First appeared in 9?arfjgelaffene 2Ber!e, 1833. 
 
 In July, 1828, Goethe went to the grand ducal castle Dornburg, 
 where he remained till after the beginning of September. Karl August 
 had died suddenly on June 14, and Goethe's retirement to Dornburg 
 was in part due to the hope that absence from Weimar might lessen 
 his grief at the loss of so faithful a friend. 
 
274 GOETHES GEDICHTE. [Sel. 148-150. 
 
 This poem was called forth by the full moon in the latter part of 
 August. On October 23 Goethe sent it to Marianne von Willemer, who 
 had been traveling in Switzerland with her husband, with the inquiry : 
 2ftit bem freunMtdjften SStttfomm bte fteitere Slnfrage : in o bie tieben 
 Sfteifenben am 25. Stuguft ftcf) befunben? unb ob @ie DieCetd)t ben 
 flaren SMmonb Beadjtenb be (Sntfernten geba<f)t fyaben? 33eifom= 
 menbeS giebt, toon fetner @eite, ba8 unroibertyredjlidjfte 3eugni. 
 According to Creizenach (23riefroec()fel jimfdjen oetlje unb Marianne 
 Don SSittemer, 58) Goethe and Marianne had agreed in the summer of 
 1815 to think of each other at the time of the next full moon. This 
 promise and the letter make clear the origin of the poem. See also 
 Goethe's poem 35oltinonbnad)t (written October 24, 1815) in 28eft= 
 oftlicfjer. 2)tdan and particularly the lines: 
 
 Giid) tm SBolImonb 311 begriijjen 
 .grnbt ifyr Ijeitig angelobct. 
 
 149. Sornfotrfl, September 1828. 
 
 First appeared in 9?arf)gelaffene 5Serfe, 1833. 
 
 Goethe left Dornburg on September n. The poem was consequent- 
 ly written before that date. Letters to Zelter, describing meteorological 
 conditions like those mentioned in the poem, make it probable that the 
 actual date was September 7 or 8. The situation calls for a misty morn- 
 ing, with a cloudy sky later; the East wind clears the air; the remain- 
 der of the day is bright, and at evening the sun sets gloriously. 
 
 1. 4. As the mist disappears, the gay-colored, fully opened calyxes of 
 the flowers become visible. 
 
 1. 10. Center 93ntft refers back to bu. fcer (Srofeeu, olben, 
 
 means the sun, and to it the poet expresses his gratitude for the lovely 
 day. 
 
 150. dfcft erfhtbett ift f(ptt. 
 
 First appeared in the periodical GltjaoS, 1830; taken into 2Ber!e, 
 1836. 
 
 The time of its origin is unknown but is possibly much earlier than 
 the date of publication. 
 
Sel. 151, 152.] NOTES. 275 
 
 151. 5tn bte fitnfeeljtt $reuttbe tit 
 
 First appeared in the periodical (fiao, 1831; taken into 2Berfe, 
 1836. 
 
 Carlyle, together with Scott, Wordsworth, and other friends, sent to 
 Goethe as a birthday present a seal. Among other decorations there 
 appeared on it the English translation of one of the 3&fy m e &nien (see 
 Sel. 145, 11. 29 ff.), as follows: 
 
 Like as a star 
 
 That maketh not haste, 
 
 That taketh not rest, 
 
 Be each one fulfilling his God-given hest. 
 
 In his letter of August 20, 1831, Goethe described the seal to Zelter 
 and stated that he had already written some friendly rimes in acknowl- 
 edgment. 
 
 1. 6. Evidently a repetition of the thought of the above-mentioned 
 lines. 
 
 152. 
 
 First printed in 1849 in gur (Srinneritng an bie ^eter beg 28. 
 1849 auf ber rojftersoglidjen SSibUothe! 311 SBeimar. The new Wei- 
 mar edition includes it among the gdljme BEenien. 
 
 These lines were written by Goethe in the album of Siegmund von 
 Arnim, with the date March, 1832, and it has been claimed that they 
 are the last which he ever wrote. The first publication, with the date 
 March 6, 1832, was based on another copy. It is not probable that 
 Goethe actually composed these lines in March, 1832. The idea con- 
 tained in them had been expressed by him before ; for example, in the 
 twelfth book of SHcfotung unb SSahrheit (p. 141) : 2BeiI aber im ^rie= 
 ben ber ^atriottSmuS eigentlici) nttr bartn beftefit, baft jeber bor fetner 
 Shitre fehre, feineS 2(mte ttmrte, and) jeine e!tion lente, bamit e 
 ft)of)t im 3paufe ftehe. It is nevertheless interesting to note that, as a 
 rule of life, these lines seemed to Goethe in his last days to be fit to 
 guide his young friend. 
 
 1. 4. ftofylt, instead of ftehn. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF PERSONS MENTIONED 
 IN THE POEMS OR NOTES. 
 
 Anna Amalia (1739-1807), the mother of Karl August. During the 
 years of his minority she acted as regent. 
 
 Basedow, Johann Bernhard (1723-1790), an eminent schoolmaster 
 and educational reformer. Despite his many vagaries and unsound 
 opinions he exercised an influence for good on primary education in 
 Germany. 
 
 Behrisch, seepage 175. 
 
 Bernhard (1792-1862), son of Karl August. He lived a roving and 
 adventurous life, and was endowed with decided military gifts. The 
 crown of Greece was offered to him but was refused. 
 
 Bettina, see Brentano. 
 
 Bottiger, Karl August (1760-1835), classical scholar and archaeologist 
 of repute. From 1791 to 1804 rector of the Weimar gymnasium. 
 
 Breitkopf, see page 176. 
 
 Brentano, Anna Elizabeth (Bettina) (1788-1859), the daughter of 
 Peter Brentano and his wife (Maximiliane La Roche), married in 
 1811 to Ludwig Achim von Arnim. She was an enthusiastic ad- 
 mirer of Goethe, with whom she stood on terms of intimate friend- 
 ship for a time, until some insolent remark made by her to his wife 
 led to a rupture. She is chiefly known as the author of OCtf)e 
 33rieflDed)fel mit etnem $inbe, a highly imaginative work on a small 
 basis of facts. 
 
 Brion, Friederike Elizabetha (1752-1816), the daughter of the pastor 
 at Sesenheim. She remained unmarried and died at Meissenheim. 
 See page 1 78 ff . 
 
 Brun, Friederike Sophie Christiane (1765-1835), a German poetess. 
 
 Buff, Charlotte Sophie Henriette (1753-1828), born at Wetzlar, where 
 Goethe met her in 1772. Although she was already as good as 
 engaged to Johann Christian Kestner, to whom she was later married, 
 276 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST. 277 
 
 Goethe became so interested in her that he felt obliged to seek safety 
 in withdrawal from Wetzlar. She and her husband are, in part, the 
 basis for the characters of Lotte and Albert in Goethe's SBertber. 
 
 Cagliostro, Count Alessandro di (1743-1795), his real name being 
 Guiseppe Balsamo. The most noted swindler of the eighteenth cen- 
 tury, almost the whole of Europe being at one time or the other the 
 field of his operations. He died in prison at Rome. Goethe visited 
 his family at Palermo. 
 
 Campe, Joachim Heinrich (1746-1818), schoolmaster, philologist 
 writer for the young. 
 
 Christiane, see Goethe. 
 
 Cimaroso, Domenico (1749-1801), Italian composer of operas. 
 
 Crespel, Franziska Jakobea (born in 1752), married a Jacquet. See 
 page 178. 
 
 Cumberland, Friederike Caroline Sophie Alexandrina, Herzogin von 
 (1778-1841), a princess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who took as her 
 third husband the duke of Cumberland, afterwards king of Han- 
 over. In 1790 she lodged in the house of Goethe's mother at the 
 time of the coronation of Leopold II. and played with her sister 
 about the well. She and her husband visited Goethe at the Gerber- 
 miihle in 1815. 
 
 Eckermann, Johann Peter (1792-1854), Goethe's Boswell. In 1823 
 he went to Weimar and came into intimate personal relations with 
 Goethe. He assisted in the preparation of the 5lugabe letter CUtb 
 and together with Riemer edited Goethe's literary remains. He is 
 the author of that important source of information concerning Goethe, 
 efprcidje mtt oetfye, of which the larger part appeared in 1836, the 
 remainder in 1848. 
 
 Egloffstein, Henriette, Grafin von (1773-1864), her maiden name 
 was the same. After her divorce from her first husband she was 
 married to Oberforstmeister von Beaulieu-Marconnay. In the years 
 of her life in Weimar she was of great social importance because of 
 her beauty and her charms of mind and manner. 
 
 Einsiedel, Friedrich Hildebrand von (1750-1828), filled various posi- 
 tions connected with the court and the affairs of the duchy of Wei- 
 mar. He was a minor author, wrote plays for the Weimar stage, 
 translated Terence. 
 
278 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST. 
 
 Ewald, Johann Ludwig (1747-1822), a clergyman. He was Kirchen- 
 rat at Karlsruhe at the time of his death. 
 
 Flachsland, Maria Caroline (1750-1809), the wife of Herder. 
 
 Frommann, Karl Friedrich Ernst (1765-1837), book-dealer and pub- 
 lisher in Jena. 
 
 Goethe, Johanna Christiane Sophia von (1764-1816), her maiden 
 name was Vulpius. She entered into the relationship with Goethe in 
 July, 1788 and was formally married to him in 1806. 
 
 Goethe, Julius August Walther von (1789-1830), the only child of 
 Goethe to reach maturity. Endowed with none of his father's great 
 gifts but having much practical ability, he died, in part, a victim to 
 his own excesses. 
 
 Hafiz (died 1389), see page 252. 
 
 Herder, Johann Gottfried von (1774-1803), one of the most illustrious 
 of German thinkers, writing voluminously about religion, philosophy, 
 history, literature, and art. He was court preacher and consistorial 
 councillor at Wefmar. He had remarkable skill as a translator and 
 was greatly interested in the Volkslied. 
 
 Herzlieb, Christiane Friederike Wilhelmine (1789-1865), the Minna 
 of the sonnets. See page 242. She was married in 1821 to Dr. K. 
 W. Walch and died in a sanitarium for nervous diseases. 
 
 Jacobi, Johann Georg ( 1740-1814), a writer of some prominence in the 
 eighteenth century. He and his brother, Friedrich Heinrich (the 
 philosopher, 1743-1819), the latter's wife, and their sister Charlotte 
 were among Goethe's intimate friends in his younger days. 
 
 Jean Paul, see Richter. 
 
 Karl August (1757-1828), duke, and later grand duke, of Weimar, 
 the friend and patron of Goethe. 
 
 Karl Friedrich (1783-1853), the son and successor of the preceding. 
 
 Kayser, Phillip Christoph (1755-1823), musician and musical composer. 
 
 Klinger, see page 267. 
 
 Klopstock, Friedrich Gottlieb (1724-1803), the German poet. 
 
 Knebel, Karl Ludwig von (1744-1834), tutor of Prince Konstantin, 
 the brother of Karl August. He was for many years a friend of 
 Goethe and was himself a literary man of some ability. 
 
 Korner, Christian Gottfried (1756-1831), the intimate friend of Schiller 
 and the father of the poet Karl Theodor Korner (1791-1813). 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST. 279 
 
 La Roche, Maximiliane Euphrosyne von (1756-1793), married to Peter 
 Anton Brentano, an Italian by birth but a merchant at Frankfort. 
 Goethe had known her before her marriage. Her husband's jealousy 
 of him gave part of the basis for the characters of Lotte and Albert 
 in SBerther. She was the mother of Bettina Brentano. 
 
 Lavater, Johann Kaspar (1741-1801), a Swiss clergyman. His repu= 
 tation rested chiefly on his ^htyfiognomtfdje ^rogmente jur 33eforbe= 
 rung ber Sftenfdjenfenntmft unb 3J?enfcf)enUe&e. 
 
 Lessing, Gotthold Ephraim (1729-1781), the great German critic and 
 dramatist. 
 
 Levetzow, Ulrike von, see page 264. 
 
 Lili, see Schonemann. 
 
 Loder, Bertha von, see page 244. 
 
 Luden, Heinrich (1780-1847), professor of history and writer on 
 political and historical topics. 
 
 Mahr, Johann Christian (1787-1868), Berginspektor, later Bergrat. 
 
 Marianne, see Willemer. 
 
 Maria Paulowna (1786-1859), by birth a princess of Russia, wife of 
 Karl Friedrich of Weimar. 
 
 Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Felix (1809-1847), the great musical com- 
 poser. As a child he visited Weimar and greatly impressed Goethe 
 by his playing. 
 
 Merck, Johann Heinrich (1741-1791), held a post in the war depart- 
 ment at Darmstadt. His clear judgment in literary matters was of 
 value to Goethe, although his own literary achievements were not 
 important. His life was very unfortunate and in despair he com- 
 mitted suicide. 
 
 Moors, Friedrich Maximilian (1747-1782), an advocate in Frankfort. 
 He was one of Goethe's youthful intimate friends. 
 
 Newton, Isaac (1642-1727), the great English physicist and mathe- 
 matician. 
 
 Nicolai, Christoph Friedrich (1733-1811), a Berlin publisher and 
 writer. 
 
 Oeser, Adam Friedrich (1717-1799), a painter and sculptor of some 
 prominence. He was for many years director of the Kunstakademie 
 at Leipzig. 
 
280 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST. 
 
 Oeser, Friederike Elizabeth (1748-1829), daughter of the preceding 
 and a friend of Goethe in the days at Leipzig. 
 
 Pfenninger, Johann Konrad (1747-1792), a Swiss clergyman and 
 friend of Lavater. 
 
 Richter, Jean Paul Friedrich (1763-1825), a German novelist and 
 humorist, of great repute for many years. He is extravagently praised 
 by Carlyle, for example. 
 
 Riemer, Friedrich Wilhelm (1774-1845), tutor of Goethe's son, also 
 Goethe's secretary, later teacher in the gymnasium and still later 
 librarian at Weimar. He assisted in the preparation of the 5Iu$gabe 
 letter anb, was associated with Eckermann in the editing of 
 Goethe's literary remains and wrote Sftittheilungeit itber oetfye. 
 
 Salzmann, Johann Daniel (1722-1812), actuary at Strassburg and a 
 table companion of Goethe in the latter's student days there. 
 
 Schiller, Johann Christoph Friedrich (1759-1805), the great poet and 
 intimate friend of Goethe. 
 
 Schonemann, Anna Elizabeth (1758-1817), Goethe's Lili. See page 
 192 ff. In 1778 she married Bernhard Friedrich von Tiirckheim. 
 
 Schonkopf, Anna Katharina (1746-1810), see page 177. 
 
 Seckendorff, Karl Siegmund von (1744-1785), a minor poet and 
 musical composer. Beginning with 1775 he was for a few years 
 Kammerherr in Weimar, entering later into the Prussian service. 
 
 Seidler, Luise (1786-1866), a painter. In 1824 she was made custo- 
 dian of the ducal collection of paintings. 
 
 Stein, Charlotte Albertine Ernestine von (1742-1828), her maiden 
 name was von Schardt. Her husband was Oberstallmeister at Wei- 
 mar. Her intimacy with Goethe began in 1776, but his relations 
 with Christiane after his return from Italy caused it to end. See 
 page igSff. 
 
 Stock, Johanna Dorothea (1760-1832), her father was an engraver 
 with whom Goethe came into contact while at Leipzig. Her sister 
 was the wife of Korner. She was a painter. 
 
 Stolberg-Stolberg, Auguste Louise, Grafin zu (1753-1835), became 
 in 1783 the wife of Graf von Bernstoff. The letters of Goethe to her 
 in his Frankfort and early Weimar period are an important source 
 of information concerning him. Her brothers accompanied him on 
 his journey to Switzerland in 1775. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST. 281 
 
 Vulpius, Christian August (1762-1827), brother of Goethe's wife. He 
 became librarian at Weimar in 1806, was given the title Rat in 1816, 
 and was a prolific writer of poor novels and plays. 
 
 Vulpius, Johanna Christiane Sophia, see Goethe. 
 
 Werner, Friedrich Ludwig Zacharias (1758-1823), a minor German 
 poet. See page 242. 
 
 Wieland, Christoph Martin (1733-1803), the well-known German 
 poet. He was called to Weimar in 1772 as tutor of Karl August. 
 
 Willemer, Johann Jacob von (1760-1838), a banker of Frankfort, 
 with a taste for literature and art. 
 
 Willemer, Maria Anna Katharina Theresia von (1784-1860), became 
 in 1814 the third wife of the preceding. Goethe's Suleika. See page 
 253. Her maiden name was Jung. For a brief time she was a ballet 
 dancer and actress at Frankfort, but while still a child she was rescued 
 from this life by Willemer and reared with his children. 
 
 Zelter, Karl Friedrich (1758-1832), musician and musical composer, 
 residing at Berlin. The warm friend of Goethe, setting to music 
 many of his poems. 
 
 Ziegesar, Sylvie von (1785-1855), was married in 1814 to the clergy- 
 man Friedrich August Koethe. 
 
INDEX OF FIRST LINES. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 ^ld) ! unaufljaltfam ftrebet ba . 88 
 9ld), tua foil ber 9Jtenfd) ... 80 
 9ld), tner brtngt bie fdjonen . . 74 
 Me retf)eitapoftel, fie rcaren . 82 
 Me in ber SBelt lafjt ftd) . . 130 
 Slmerifa, bu fjaft e beffer . . 167 
 
 91 n bem reinften 84 
 
 9lnber lefen $naben ben . . 163 
 9ln biefem Srunnen tjaft and) . 158 
 9lngebenfen an ba @ute. . .166 
 Vngebenlen bu berflungner . . 37 
 9lnmutig S^al ! bu immergruner 60 
 
 9ln Srauertagen 145 
 
 9ln bollen Sufdjelsnieigen . . . 141 
 9lrm am Seutel, fran! am . .94 
 9luf $iefeln im Sadje, ba lieg' . 3 
 
 Sebedfe beinen ^immel, %eu . 26 
 Set bem lanse ber 9lbenbrote. 85 
 
 a broben auf jenem Serge . 106 
 
 (@d)afer $(agelieb.) 
 SDa broben auf jenem Serge . 113 
 
 (Sergfd)lofe.) 
 
 a filter ift ein tyoflid) 5Jiann. 134 
 a ro^te toill man nid)t . . 134 
 Sa ^iidjtige, unb toenn aud) . 162 
 5S5a llnfer SSater, ein fd)5n 128 
 a SSaffer raufd)t', ba . . 50 
 2>em (^5eier gleid) 45 
 
 2)em <^erren in ber SSiifte . . 96 
 
 em <^nee, bem Dtegen ... 41 
 
 )en (Sinjtgen, 2iba, meldjen bu 53 
 
 5Der bu on bem immet btft . 38 
 
 SDer Jlucfucf me bie 9tacf)ttgaII . 168 
 
 S)er 5Jiorgen fam; e fdjeucf)ten 67 
 
 5Der <Strau, ben id) gepfliicfet . 121 
 er Xiirmer, ber fdjaut ju . .122 
 $5e 3Jlaurer 26anbe(n . . .143 
 
 e 5Jlenfd)en eele .... 51 
 
 2)td)ter Ueben nidjt ju jdjroeigen 104 
 
 [inb red)t gute . 167 
 
 serreien .... 87 
 
 S)ie 5^er(e, bie ber 5Jiufd)el . . 146 
 
 iefem ?lmbo erg(eid)' id) . 81 
 
 5)ie [tide fjreube foottt il)r . . 168 
 
 SDie SBelt bureaus ift lieblid) . 137 
 
 $5ir marum bod) berliert . . . 161 
 
 S)onnertag nad) Setoebere . . 122 
 
 Stoppelt giebt, n>er gleid) giebt . 131 
 
 2)u getjft ! 3d) murre .... l 
 
 u gingfl Doriiber? SSie ! id) . 152 
 
 u Ijaft un oft im Xraum . 3 
 
 25u Ijaft nid)t red)t ! a mag 162 
 
 S)u forgeft freunblid) mir ben . 75 
 
 S5u cerfud)ft r o (Sonne .... 144 
 
 (Sbel fei ber 9Jlenfd) .... 55 
 
 6in alter DJlann ift ftet ein . 161 
 
 (Jin Slumengtodfdien .... 128 
 283 
 
284 
 
 INDEX OF FIRST LINES. 
 
 (Jinen Gfjinefen fal) id) in SRom 94 
 (Jine 9ftenfd)en Ceben, roa . . 82 
 (Jin jcbcr tefjre bor feiner . 170 
 din &aifer fjatte aroei affiere . 138 
 gin $rans ift gar btel leister . 129 
 (Jin reiner Uteim roirb roof)! . . 163 
 (Sin Strom entraufdjt .... 118 
 (Jin 93eild)en auf ber SBiefe . . 19 
 (Jntf)uftamu berglcid)' id) gern. 133 
 (Jntjroei' unb gebiete ! Siidjtig . 132 
 Grleudjtet aujjcn f)el)r bom . . 158 
 (Jrft fifct er einc 2Beilc ... 2 
 (J I)at ber 9lutor, rocnn er . . l 
 (J Ijatt' ein $nab' cine Saube 18 
 <5 fdjlug metn ^er3, gefdjroinb . 4 
 (J roar cin fauter djafer . . 52 
 6 roar ein ^?inb, ba rooQtc . 126 
 6 roar cin $onig in Sl)ute . 20 
 
 bit, laB birf)' nidjt . . 162 
 
 fjreiger C^ebanlen ..... 45 
 
 f5fern Don gebilbeten 5)lenfd)cn . 84 
 
 ^lad) bebedfet unb leicht ben . 73 
 
 f5franfretrf)3 tranrtg (Seirfjicf, bic 83 
 
 fjrcut eurf) be ^metterling . 93 
 
 fjfriif), rocnn 2!f)al, cbirg unb . 169 
 
 UuHeft rotebcr 58ufd) unb Xfjat. 48 
 
 anj unb gar ...... 130 
 
 ebirf)te ftnb gemattc . . . .160 
 
 ef), get)ord)e meincn SBtnfcn . 80 
 
 ern roar' id) Ubcrtiefrung lo . 164 
 
 ott fegne bid), jungc fjrau . . 11 
 
 ut berloren ctroaS berloren 166 
 
 85 
 131 
 
 18 
 
 in anb ! llnb Cipp' 
 >aft bit einmal ba 5Rcd)tc . 
 at aflei feinc Qeit ... 
 
 ber alte <OeEenmeifter . . 96 
 
 mid) nidjt reben, fyetjj mid) 72 
 
 .^erein, o bit uter ! bu filter . 145 
 
 frers, metn ^crs, roa foil ba . 28 
 
 freute gel)' id), ^omm' id; . . 132 
 
 ^eittc ftet)' id) mcine 28adje . . 150 
 
 <>ter ftnb roir berfammett 311 . 119 
 
 $od) auf bent alten Surme . . 21 
 
 3d) bin ber roofyfbefannte . . 112 
 3d) benfe bctn, rocnn mir ber . 86 
 3d), (Jgoift ! 2Benn id)' ntd)t 131 
 3d) ging im SBalbe .... 127 
 3d) f)abe getiebet, nun Iteb' id) . 124 
 3d) f)ab' if)n gcfcfjen .... 75 
 3d) l)ab' mein <Sad) auf nid)t . 115 
 3d) I)ie(t mid) ftet bon . . .166 
 3d) fann mid) nid)t berebcn . . 167 
 3d) roanbfe auf roeiter, bunter . 129 
 3d) roar cin $nabe roarm unb . 50 
 3d) roetfj ntd)t, roa mir ^icr . 41 
 3f)r Iat nid)t nad), itjr bfeibt . 133 
 3m ernftcn 33eint)au roar'. . 159 
 3m f$fetbe fd)(eid)' id) fti(( unb . 37 
 3m Ijotbcn Xfjaf, auf .... 38 
 3m 9lcbe(gericfel, im ttefen . . 10 
 3m neuen 3af)re Ittdf unb . . 129 
 3n alien guten Stunben ... 31 
 3n idjere roillft bu bid) betten 161 
 3ft bod) teine 9Jlenagerie ... 32 
 3ft' moglid), ba^ id), Ctebdjen . 137 
 
 3ebcr 3ungting, feljnt fid), fo . 29 
 3enc garftigc 93ettel . . . .142 
 
 $ennft bu ba Canb, roo bie . 71 
 ^(cinc SBlumen, fleine blotter . 5 
 $lein ift uutcr ben f5riirftcn . . 82 
 
INDEX OF FIRST LINES. 
 
 285 
 
 PAGE 
 
 nabe fafj id), f^ifdjerfnabe . . 151 
 
 $omm, Ciebdjen, fomm ! . . . 137 
 
 $omm nut, o Sd)5ne, !omtn . 78 
 
 $5nige rooflen ba @ute, bie . 83 
 
 Cange fjaben bic rojjen bcr . 83 
 
 Sange Sag' unb 9Jad)te ftanb . 42 
 
 Cajj metn 9lug' ben 'Jlbfdjteb . 4 
 
 afc fteib unb Oftijjgunft fid) . 130 
 
 Cafj regnen, roenn e rcgnen . 23 
 
 Dftadje sum <>errfd)er fid) bet . 81 
 
 DOtein afte (Sbangelium ... 25 
 
 9!fttd) ergretft, id) rceifj nid)t rote 107 
 
 9ftir gab' e fcinc grojjre $etn . 130 
 
 9ttit ber 28elt mufj ntemanb . 163 
 
 Wii 2BibcrIegcn^33ebingen . . 164 
 
 Oftufjt nid)t bor bem Sage . . 136 
 
 5)littage fafjen tt)ir . . . 8 
 marft bu bem (befn uub 93 
 9iatur unb ilunji, fie fdjeinen . 109 
 Sletuton I)at fid) geirrt ? 3a . . 93 
 9hd)t (yelegen^eit mad)t iebe . 140 
 9Hd)t gro^ern Sorteil toiifct' id) . 132 
 9lid)t bom 2krgtingUd)en . . 161 
 9iorb unb SSeft unb lib . . 134 
 9tur iner bie el)nfud)t fennt . 72 
 
 D tieblidje Sljerefe ..... 9 
 Cft in ttefen 2Btnternad)ten . . 102 
 
 Sag' nur, toie tra'gft bu fo . . 161 
 (Sat) ein $nab' ein 9?5Iein . . 9 
 Safj id) friit) auf eincr ... 76 
 Sd)abe, ba bie 9Jatitr nur . . 93 
 Sdjaff, ba Sagttterf meiner . 44 
 Set)' id) bie SBerfe ber lifter . 132 
 
 Selbft erfinben ift fd)5n; bod) . 170 
 
 Sinnretd) bift bu, bie Spradje . 93 
 
 So fyab' id) roirfUd) bid) ... 79 
 So I)od) bie 5JJafe reid)t, ba . .163 
 
 So foa'fj' id) ofyne llnterlafe . . 75 
 So ttrnr e fdjott in metnen . .117 
 
 St)at er!(tngt, tna friif) erftang 128 
 
 Spube bid), $rono .... 23 
 
 Sage ber SGonne ..... 104 
 
 Saufenb f^liegen fyatt' id) am . 130 
 
 Seilen fann id) nidjt ba Ceben 165 
 
 S^u' nur ba 9?ed)te in beinen 130 
 
 Siefe Stifle I)errfd)t im Staffer . 87 
 
 Sotte S^iten hab' id) ertebt unb 83 
 
 liber alien ipfeln ..... 53 
 Um 5Diitternad)t ging id), utdjt . 148 
 Unb bod) t)aben fie red)t, bie id) 139 
 llnb frtfd)e 9tafyrung, neue . . 30 
 
 2SteIe fjab' id) berfud)t ... 81 
 S5om 5Bater ^ab' id) bie Statur 165 
 
 2Bar bod) geftern bein $aupt . 102 
 2Bar' id) ein f)a'ulid)e 9Seib . 83 
 2Bar' nidjt ba "Muge fonnenf)aft 162 
 SBarum gabft bu un bie ttefen 39 
 9Sarum id) toieber jum papier . 118 
 SBarum magft bu getniffe . . . 132 
 9Ba bie rofjen ute tfjaten . 168 
 2Ba ^6r' id) brau^en bor bem. 57 
 5ffia ift ba Sdjmerfte bon . . 93 
 2Ba ift fdjmer ju berbergen ? . 138 
 9Ba mtt mir ba Sd)idfat . . 84 
 2Ba foil id) nun bom .... 153 
 2Ba berfurjt mir bie 8tnt . . 134 
 2BeiI fo biet su fagen roar . . 149 
 
286 
 
 INDEX OF FIRST LINES. 
 
 2Befd) ein 9JMbd)en id) ttmnfdje . 81 
 2Benn bu bid) jelber mad)ft sum 132 
 2Benn id) auf bem 2Jlarlte gel)' 152 
 SBenn id), liebe fiili, bid) nid)t . 30 
 SSenn $inbeblicf begierig jdjaut. 164 
 2Ber befdjeiben tft, mufj bulben . 133 
 2Bcr bem ^ublifum bient, ift . 131 
 2Ber in ber 2BeItgefd)id)te lebt . 160 
 2Ber nie fetn 93rot mit Sfyrfinen 60 
 SScr rettet fo jpat burd) 9lad)t . 54 
 2Ber fid) bcr ginfamfeit ergiebt . 59 
 2Ber ternimmt mid) ? ad), tocm . 44 
 2Bcr toirb t>on ber 2Be(t . . .139 
 
 2Bie ba eftirn 162 
 
 2Bie bie 2Miiten tieute bringen . 119 
 28ie ftudjtbar ift ber f leinfte . .164 
 2Bie l)err(id) Ieud)tet .... 6 
 2Bie ^irfdjen unb Seeren . . 131 
 2Cie man (Selb unb ^ett . . 81 
 SSie ? 2Bann ? unb 2Bo ? ie 129 
 
 2Bitt einer fid) gett)ol)nen . . .163 
 
 SBiUfl bu bid) am (^anaen . . 129 
 
 SQSiUft bu bir aber ba Sefte . 130 
 
 SBiajt bit bir ein tyiibfd) Ceben . 133 
 
 SBtUft bu immer toeiter fdjaietfen 80 
 SBillft bu in Unenbtidje . . .129 
 
 28iflft bu mid) fog(etd) berlaffen 169 
 
 28tr reiten in bie $rei3 unb . 128 
 
 SStr fingen unb fagen t>om . . 110 
 
 2Bo ?lnma^ung mir ttJotytgefattt 131 
 
 3Bo man mir Q5ut erjeigt . . 141 
 
 SBorte, bie ber id)ter fprid)t . 170 
 
 2Bo toiOft bu, !lare Sadjtein . 100 
 
 2Bunbern fann e mid) nid)t . 83 
 
 3art ebid)t, mie OJegenbogen . 131 
 2>en!mat tt>a . . 166 
 Cafcater unb Safebow. 22 
 3roifd)en SBeijen unb ^orn . . 121 
 
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