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SHE CANNOT END. - 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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SHE CANNOT END.

    • WHEN unto thee I sent the page all white,
    • Instead of first thereon inscribing aught,
    • The space thou doubtless filledst up in sport,
    • And sent it me, to make my joy grow bright.
    • As soon as the blue cover met my sight,
    • As well becomes a woman, quick as thought
    • I tore it open, leaving hidden nought,
    • And read the well-known words of pure delight:
    • My only being! Dearest heart! Sweet child!
    • How kindly thou my yearning then didst still
    • With gentle words, enthralling me to thee.
    • In truth methought I read thy whispers mild
    • Wherewith thou lovingly my soul didst fill,
    • E’en to myself for aye ennobling me.