Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/241

Rh Ye nourish painfully, With sacrifices And votive prayers, Your majesty; Ye would e'en starve, If children and beggars Were not trusting fools.

While yet a child, And ignorant of life, I turned my wandering gaze Up toward the sun, as if with him There were an ear to hear my wailings, A heart, like mine, To feel compassion for distress.

Who helped me Against the Titans' insolence? Who rescued me from certain death, From slavery? Didst thou not do all this thyself, My sacred glowing heart? And glowedst, young and good, Deceived with grateful thanks To yonder slumbering one?

I honour thee, and why? Hast thou e'er lightened the sorrows Of the heavy laden? Hast thou e'er dried up the tears Of the anguish-stricken? Was I not fashioned to be a man By omnipotent Time, And by eternal Fate, Masters of me and thee? Didst thou e'er fancy