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Subject Area: Literature

WHO’LL BUY GODS OF LOVE? - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Goethe’s Works, vol. 1 (Poems) [1885]

Edition used:

Goethe’s Works, illustrated by the best German artists, 5 vols. (Philadelphia: G. Barrie, 1885). Vol. 1.

Part of: Goethe’s Works, 5 vols.

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WHO’LL BUY GODS OF LOVE?

    • OF all the beauteous wares
    • Expos’d for sale at fairs,
    • None will give more delight
    • Than those that to your sight
    • From distant lands we bring.
    • Oh, hark to what we sing!
    • These beauteous birds behold,
    • They’re brought here to be sold.
    • And first the big one see,
    • So full of roguish glee!
    • With light and merry bound
    • He leaps upon the ground;
    • Then springs up on the bough.
    • We will not praise him now.
    • The merry bird behold,—
    • He’s brought here to be sold.
    • And now the small one see!
    • A modest look has he,
    • And yet he’s such another
    • As his big roguish brother.
    • ’Tis chiefly when all’s still
    • He loves to show his will.
    • The bird so small and bold,—
    • He’s brought here to be sold.
    • Observe this little love,
    • This darling turtle dove!
    • All maidens are so neat,
    • So civil, so discreet!
    • Let them their charms set loose,
    • And turn your love to use;
    • The gentle bird behold,—
    • She’s brought here to be sold.
    • Their praises we won’t tell;
    • They’ll stand inspection well.
    • They’re fond of what is new,—
    • And yet, to show they’re true,
    • Nor seal nor letter’s wanted;
    • To all have wings been granted.
    • The pretty birds behold,—
    • Such beauties ne’er were sold!