The Poems of Goethe, Translated in the Original Metres · Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
ROMAN ELEGIES.
Hath, then, Amor the rogue cheated, Aurora, e'en thee? Thou dost appear to me now as his friend, and again dost awake me Unto a day of delight, while at his altar I kneel. All her locks I find on my bosom, her head is reposing, Pressing with softness the arm, which round her neck is entwin'd; Oh! what a joyous awak'ning, ye hours so peaceful, succeeded, Monument sweet of the bliss which had first rock'd us to sleep In her slumber she moves, and sinks, while her face is averted, Far on the breadth of the couch, leaving her hand still in mine Heartfelt love unites us for ever, and yearnings unsullied, And our cravings alone claim for themselves the exchange. One faint touch of the hand, and her eyes so heavenly see I Once more open. Ah, no! let me still look on that form! Closed still remain! Ye make me confused and drunken, ye rob me Far too soon of the bliss pure contemplation affords. Mighty, indeed, are these figures! these limbs, how gracefully rounded! Theseus, could'st thou e'er fly, whilst Ariadne thus slept? Only one single kiss on these lips! Oh, Theseus, now leave us! Gaze on her eyes! she awakes--Firmly she holds thee embrac'd ----- PART II.
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.