Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/129

Rh In caves lay coiled the dragon's ancient hood, The crag leaps down, and over it the flood: Knowest thou it then? 'Tis there! 'Tis there! Our way runs; O my father, wilt thou go?"

 GENERAL CONFESSION.

this noble ring to-day Let my warning shame ye! Listen to my solemn voice,— Seldom does it name ye. Many a thing have ye intended, Many a thing have badly ended, And now I must blame ye.

At some moment in our lives We must all repent us! So confess, with pious trust, All your sins momentous! Error's crooked pathways shunning, Let us, on the straight road running, Honestly content us!

Yes! we've oft, when waking, dreamed Let's confess it rightly; Left undrained the brimming cup, When it sparkled brightly; Many a shepherd's-hour's soft blisses, Many a dear mouth's flying kisses We've neglected lightly.

Mute and silent have we sat, Whilst the blockheads prated, 