Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/349

Leafless, however, and quick the tenderer stem then upspringeth,
And a miraculous sight doth the observer enchant.
Ranged in a circle in numbers that now are small, and now countless,
Gather the small-sized leaves close by the side of their like.
Round the axis compressed the sheltering calyx unfoldeth.
And, as the perfectest type, brilliant-hued coronals forms.
Thus doth Nature bloom, in glory still nobler and fuller,
Showing, in order arranged, member on member upreared.
Wonderment fresh dost thou feel, as soon as the stem rears the flower
Over the scaffolding frail of the alternating leaves.
But this glory is only the new creation's foreteller,
Yes, the leaf with its hues feeleth the hand all divine.
And on a sudden contracteth itself; the tenderest figures,
Twofold as yet, hasten on, destined to blend into one.
Lovingly now the beauteous pairs are standing together,
Gathered in countless array, there where the altar is raised.
Hymen hovereth o'er them, and scents delicious and mighty
Stream forth their fragrance so sweet, all things enlivening around.
Presently, parcelled out, unnumbered germs are seen swelling,
Sweetly concealed in the womb, where is made perfect the fruit.