Tame Xenia.
By Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
God gave to mortals birth,
In his own image too;
Then came Himself to earth,
A mortal kind and true.
1821.*
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Barbarians oft endeavour
Gods for themselves to make
But they're more hideous ever
Than dragon or than snake.
1821.*
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What shall I teach thee, the very first thing?
Fain would I learn o'er my shadow to spring!
1827.*
-
"What is science, rightly known?
'Tis the strength of life alone.
Life canst thou engender never,
Life must be life's parent ever.
1827.*
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It matters not, I ween,
Where worms our friends consume,
Beneath the turf so green,
Or 'neath a marble tomb.
Remember, ye who live,
Though frowns the fleeting day,
That to your friends ye give
What never will decay.
1827.*