The Poems of Goethe, Translated in the Original Metres · Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
1775.* ----- ON THE LAKE,
Up the trellis'd vine on high! May ye swell, twin-berries tender, Juicier far,--and with more splendour Ripen, and more speedily! O'er ye broods the sun at even As he sinks to rest, and heaven Softly breathes into your ear All its fertilising fullness, While the moon's refreshing coolness, Magic-laden, hovers near; And, alas! ye're watered ever By a stream of tears that rill From mine eyes--tears ceasing never, Tears of love that nought can still! THROUGH rain, through snow, Through tempest go! 'Mongst streaming caves, O'er misty waves, On, on! still on! Peace, rest have flown! Sooner through sadness I'd wish to be slain, Than all the gladness Of life to sustain All the fond yearning That heart feels for heart, Only seems burning To make them both smart. How shall I fly? Forestwards hie? Vain were all strife! Bright crown of life. Turbulent bliss,-- Love, thou art this!
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.