Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/169

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POEMS OF GOETHE
143

SHE.

Wouldst thou find refreshment, traveller weary,
Bread, ripe fruit, and cream, to meet thy wishes,—
None but Nature's plain and homely dishes, —
Near the spring may soothe thy wanderings dreary.

HE.

Dreams of old acquaintance now pass through me,
Ne'er-forgotten queen of hours of blisses:
Likenesses I've often found, but this is
One that quite a marvel seemeth to me!

SHE.

Travellers often wonder beyond measure,
But their wonder soon see cause to smother;
Fair and dark are often like each other,
Both inspire the mind with equal pleasure.

HE.

Not now for the first time I surrender
To this form, in humble adoration;
It was brightest midst the constellation
In the hall adorned with festal splendour.

SHE.

Be thou joyful that 'tis in my power
To complete thy strange and merry story
Silks behind her, full of purple glory,
Floated, when thou sawest her in that hour.

HE.

No, in truth, thou hast not sung it rightly!
Spirits may have told thee all about it;
Pearls and gems they spoke of, do not doubt it.—
By her gaze eclipsed,—it gleamed so brightly!