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FAREWELL. - 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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FAREWELL.

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    • O break one’s word is pleasure-fraught,
    • To do one’s duty gives a smart;
    • While man, alas! will promise nought,
    • That is repugnant to his heart.
    • Using some magic strains of yore,
    • Thou lurest him, when scarcely calm,
    • On to sweet folly’s fragile bark once more,
    • Renewing, doubling chance of harm.
    • Why seek to hide thyself from me?
    • Fly not my sight—be open then!
    • Known late or early it must be,
    • And here thou hast thy word again.
    • My duty is fulfill’d to-day,
    • No longer will I guard thee from surprise;
    • But, oh, forgive the friend who from thee turns away,
    • And to himself for refuge flies!