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TO FATHER KRONOS. - 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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TO FATHER KRONOS.

    • HASTEN thee, Kronos!
    • On with clattering trot!
    • Downhill goeth thy path;
    • Loathsome dizziness ever,
    • When thou delayest, assails me.
    • Quick, rattle along,
    • Over stock and stone let thy trot
    • Into life straightway lead!
    • Now once more
    • Up the toilsome ascent
    • Hasten, panting for breath!
    • Up, then, nor idle be.—
    • Striving and hoping, up, up!
    • Wide, high, glorious the view
    • Gazing round upon life,
    • While from mount unto mount
    • Hovers the spirit eterne,
    • Life eternal foreboding.
    • Sideways a roof’s pleasant shade
    • Attracts thee,
    • And a look that promises coolness
    • On the maidenly threshold.
    • There refresh thee! And, maiden,
    • Give me this foaming draught also,
    • Give me this health-laden look!
    • Down, now! quicker still, down!
    • See where the sun sets!
    • Ere he sets, ere old age
    • Seizeth me in the morass,
    • Ere my toothless jaws mumble,
    • And my useless limbs totter;
    • While drunk with his farewell beam
    • Hurl me,—a fiery sea
    • Foaming still in mine eye,—
    • Hurl me, while dazzled and reeling,
    • Down to the gloomy portal of hell.
    • Blow, then, gossip, thy horn!
    • Speed on with echoing trot,
    • So that Orcus may know we are coming;
    • So that our host may with joy
    • Wait at the door to receive us.