The Poems of Goethe, Translated in the Original Metres · Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
OF THE BANISHED AND RETURNING COUNT.
Then come to your father--to me! The beggar may gladden life's pathway forlorn, Though aged and weak he may be. This castle is mine! thou hast made it thy prey, Thy people 'twas put me to flight; The tokens I bear will confirm what I say"-- The children they hear with delight. "The king who erst govern'd returneth again, And restores to the Faithful the goods that were ta'en, I'll unseal all my treasures the while; The laws shall be gentle, and peaceful the reign"-- The old man thus cries with a smile-- "Take courage, my son! all hath turned out for good, And each hath a star that is bright, Those the princess hath borne thee are princely in blood,"-- The children thy hear with delight. UPON the mead a violet stood, Retiring, and of modest mood, In truth, a violet fair. Then came a youthful shepherdess, And roam'd with sprightly joyousness, And blithely woo'd With carols sweet the air "Ah!" thought the violet, "had I been For but the smallest moment e'en Nature's most beauteous flower, 'Till gather'd by my love, and press'd, When weary, 'gainst her gentle breast, For e'en, for e'en One quarter of an hour!" Alas! alas! the maid drew nigh, The violet failed to meet her eye, She crush'd the violet sweet. It sank and died, yet murmur'd not: "And if I die, oh, happy lot, For her I die, And at her very feet!"
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.