Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/20

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Here sunk the vapour, but to rise anew, There on the peak, and upland forest parted. Oh, how I panted for the first clear gleaming, Made by the gloom it banished doubly bright! It came not, but a glory round me beaming, And I stood blinded by the gush of light.

IV. A moment, and I felt enforced to look, By some strange impulse of the heart's emotion; But more than one quick glance I scarce could brook, For all was burning like a molten ocean. There, in the glorious clouds that seemed to bear her, A form angelic hovered in the air; Ne'er did my eyes behold a vision fairer, And still she gazed upon me, floating there.

V. "Dost thou not know me?" and her voice was soft As truthful love, and holy calm it sounded. "Know'st thou not me, who many a time and oft Poured balsam in thy hurts when sorest wounded? Ah, well thou knowest her, to whom for ever Thy heart in union pants to be allied! Have I not seen the tears—the wild endeavour That even in boyhood brought me to thy side?"

VI. "Yes! I have felt thy influence oft," I cried. And sank on earth before her, half-adoring; "Thou brought'st me rest when passion's lava tide Thro' my young veins like liquid fire was pouring. And thou hast fanned, as with celestial pinions, In summer's heat, my parched and fevered brow; Gav'st me the choicest gifts of earth's dominions, And, save through thee, I seek no fortune now.