Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/170

144 This one thing I certainly collected: That the fair one—(say nought, I entreat thee!) Fondly hoping once again to meet thee, Many a castle in the air erected.

By each wind I ceaselessly was driven, Seeking gold and honour, too, to capture. When my wand'rings end, then oh, what rapture, If to find that form again 'tis given!

'Tis the daughter of the race now banished That thou seest, not her likeness only, Helen and her brother, glad though lonely, Till this farm of their estate now vanished.

But the owner surely is not wanting Of these plains, with ev'ry beauty teeming? Verdant fields, broad meads, and pastures gleaming. Gushing springs, all heavenly and enchanting.

Thou must hunt the world through, wouldst thou find him!— We have wealth enough in our possession, And intend to purchase the succession, When the good man leaves the world behind him.

I have learnt the owner's own condition, And, fair maiden, thou indeed canst buy it; But the cost is great, I won't deny it,— Helen is the price,—with thy permission!