The Poems of Goethe Part 36

At table all else is effaced As for youth, it but swallows, then whistles an air; As for me, to a jovial resort I'd repair,

Where to eat, and enjoy what I taste.

I have drunk; but have never thus relish'd the bowl!

For wine makes us lords, and enlivens the soul,

And loosens the trembling slave's tongue.

Let's not seek to spare then the heart-stirring drink, For though in the barrel the old wine may sink,

In its place will fast mellow the young.

I have danced, and to dancing am pledged by a vow!

Though no caper or waltz may be raved about now,

In a dance that's becoming, whirl round.

And he who a nosegay of flowers has dress'd, And cares not for one any more than the rest,

With a garland of mirth is aye crown'd.

Then once more be merry, and banish all woes!

For he who but gathers the blossoming rose.

By its thorns will be tickled alone.

To-day still, as yesterday, glimmers the star; Take care from all heads that hang down to keep far,

And make but the future thine own.

1813.

----- GENERAL CONFESSION.

In this n.o.ble ring to-day

Let my warning shame ye!

Listen to my solemn voice,--

Seldom does it name ye.

Many a thing have ye intended,

Many a thing have badly ended, And now I must blame ye.

At some moment in our lives

We must all repent us!

So confess, with pious trust,

All your sins momentous!

Error's crooked pathways shunning.

Let us, on the straight road running, Honestly content us!

Yes! we've oft, when waking, dream'd,

Let's confess it rightly; Left undrain'd the br.i.m.m.i.n.g cup,

When it sparkled brightly; Many a shepherd's-hour's soft blisses,

Many a dear mouth's flying kisses We've neglected lightly.

Mute and silent have we sat,

Whilst the blockheads prated, And above e'en song divine

Have their babblings rated; To account we've even call'd us

For the moments that enthrall'd us, With enjoyment freighted.

If thou'lt absolution grant

To thy true ones ever, We, to execute thy will,

Ceaseless will endeavour, From half-measures strive to wean us,

Wholly, fairly, well demean us, Resting, flagging never.

At all blockheads we'll at once

Let our laugh ring clearly, And the pearly-foaming wine

Never sip at merely.

Ne'er with eye alone give kisses,

But with boldness suck in blisses From those lips loved dearly.

1803.*

----- COPTIC SONG.

LEAVE we the pedants to quarrel and strive,

Rigid and cautious the teachers to be!

All of the wisest men e'er seen alive

Smile, nod, and join in the chorus with me: "Vain 'tis to wait till the dolt grows less silly!

Play then the fool with the fool, w.i.l.l.y-nilly,--

Children of wisdom,--remember the word!"

Merlin the old, from his glittering grave, When I, a stripling, once spoke to him,--gave