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THE CHRISTMAS-BOX. - 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 CHRISTMAS-BOX.

    • THIS box, mine own sweet darling, thou wilt find
    • With many a varied sweetmeat’s form supplied;
    • The fruits are they of holy Christmas tide,
    • But bak’d indeed, for children’s use design’d.
    • I’d fain, in speeches sweet with skill combin’d,
    • Poetic sweetmeats for the feast provide;
    • But why in such frivolities confide?
    • Perish the thought, with flattery to blind!
    • One sweet thing there is still, that from within,
    • Within us speaks,—that may be felt afar;
    • This may be wafted o’er to thee alone.
    • If thou a recollection fond canst win,
    • As if with pleasure gleam’d each well-known star,
    • The smallest gift thou never wilt disown.