Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/187

Rh Now no longer Can I bear him; I will snare him, Knavish sprite! Ah, my terror waxes stronger! What a look! what fearful sight!

Oh, thou villain child of hell! Shall the house through thee be drowned? Floods I see that wildly swell, O'er the threshold gaining ground. Wilt thou not obey, Oh, thou broom accursed? Be thou still, I pray, As thou wert at first!

Will enough Never please thee? I will seize thee, Hold thee fast, And thy nimble wood so tough, With my sharp axe split at last.

See, once more he hastens back! Now, oh, Cobold, thou shalt catch it! I will rush upon his track; Crashing on him falls my hatchet. Bravely done, indeed! See, he's cleft in twain! Now from care I'm freed, And can breathe again.

Woe, oh, woe! Both the parts, Quick as darts, Stand on end, Servants of my dreaded foe! Oh, ye gods, protection send!