TO MIGNON. by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
OVER vale and torrent far Rolls along the sun's bright car. Ah! he wakens in his course
Mine, as thy deep-seated smart
In the heart. Ev'ry morning with new force.
Scarce avails night aught to me; E'en the visions that I see Come but in a mournful guise;
And I feel this silent smart
In my heart With creative pow'r arise.
During many a beauteous year I have seen ships 'neath me steer, As they seek the shelt'ring bay;
But, alas, each lasting smart
In my heart Floats not with the stream away.
I must wear a gala dress, Long stored up within my press, For to-day to feasts is given;
None know with what bitter smart
Is my heart Fearfully and madly riven.
Secretly I weep each tear, Yet can cheerful e'en appear, With a face of healthy red;
For if deadly were this silent smart
In my heart, Ah, I then had long been dead!
|