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THE EXCHANGE. - 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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THE EXCHANGE.

  • THE stones in the streamlet I make my bright pillow,
  • And open my arms to the swift-rolling billow,
  • That lovingly hastens to fall on my breast.
  • Then fickleness soon bids it onward be flowing;
  • A second draws nigh, its caresses bestowing,—
  • And so by a twofold enjoyment I’m bless’d.
  • And yet thou art trailing in sorrow and sadness
  • The moments that life, as it flies, gave for gladness,
  • Because by thy love thou’rt remember’d no more!
  • Oh, call back to mind former days and their blisses!
  • The lips of the second will give as sweet kisses
  • As any the lips of the first gave before!