The Poems of Goethe, Translated in the Original Metres · Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
CANTATAS.
Blithely singing On before us, Heart and ear in pleasure vie; And when thousands join in chorus, With the feelings brightly glowing, And the wishes overflowing, Forcibly they'll bear thee high. [The Chorus gradually approaches, from the distance.] Distant strains are hither wending, And I'm gladden'd by the throng; Yes, they're coming,--yes, descending To the valley from the height, Let us haste, our footsteps blending With the rhythm of the song! Yes, they come; their course they're bending Tow'rd the wood's green sward so bright. CHORUS. [Gradually becoming louder.] Yes, we hither come, attending With the harmony of song, As the hours their race are ending On this day of blest delight. Let none reveal The thoughts we feel, The aims we own! Let joy alone Disclose the story! She'll prove it right And her delight Includes the glory, Includes the bliss Of days like this! [This Cantata was written for Prince Frederick of Gotha, and set to music by Winter, the Prince singing the part of Rinaldo.--See the Annalen.] (* See Tasso's Gerusalemme Liberata, Canto XVI.) To the strand! quick, mount the bark! If no favouring zephyrs blow, Ply the oar and nimbly row, And with zeal your prowess mark! O'er the sea we thus career.
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.