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						THE CHRISTMAS-BOX. by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 
						
						THIS box, mine own sweet darling, thou wilt find
  With many a varied sweetmeat's form supplied;
  The fruits are they of holy Christmas tide, But baked indeed, for children's use design'd.
  I'd fain, in speeches sweet with skill combin'd,
  Poetic sweetmeats for the feast provide;
  But why in such frivolities confide? Perish the thought, with flattery to blind!
  One sweet thing there is still, that from within,
  Within us speaks,--that may be felt afar;
    This may be wafted o'er to thee alone.
  If thou a recollection fond canst win,
  As if with pleasure gleam'd each well-known star,
    The smallest gift thou never wilt disown.
                                  1807.						 
						
						
						
						
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