POEMS OF GOETHE
83
Garlands never more I'll fashion,
Roses twine no more for thee;
Spring is here, but, ah, my passion,
Autumn dark has come for me!
ON THE NEW YEAR.
[Composed for a merry party that used to meet, in 1802, at Goethe's house.]
Fate now allows us,
'Twixt the departing
And the upstarting,
Happy to be;
And at the call of
Memory cherished,
Future and perished
Moments we see.
Seasons of anguish,—
Ah, they must ever
Truth from woe sever,
Love and joy part;
Days still more worthy
Soon will unite us,
Fairer songs light us,
Strength'ning the heart.
We, thus united,
Think of, with gladness,
Rapture and sadness,
Sorrow now flies.
Oh, how mysterious
Fortune's direction!
Old the connection,
New-born the prize!
