Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/223

Rh MAHOMET'S SONG.

the rock-born stream! Like the gleam Of a star so bright! Kindly spirits High above the clouds Nourished him while youthful In the copse between the cliffs.

Young and fresh, From the clouds he danceth Down upon the marble rocks; Then toward heaven Leaps exulting.

Through the mountain-passes Chaseth he the coloured pebbles, And, advancing like a chief, Tears his brother streamlets with him In his course.

In the valley down below 'Neath his footsteps spring the flowers, And the meadow In his breath finds life.

Yet no shady vale can stay him, Nor can flowers,