Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/247

Rh Guide a friend when gone astray? If his duty he regard, More he'll do, than others may.

Yes! afar I hear them sing! Yes! I hear them touch the string, And with mighty godlike stroke Right and duty they inspire And evoke, As they sing and wake the lyre. Tendencies of noblest worth, To each type of strength give birth.

Phantasies of sweetest power Flower Round about on every bough. Bending now Like the magic wood of old, 'Neath the fruit that gleams like gold.

What we feel and what we view In the land of highest bliss, — This dear soil, a sun like this,— Lures the best of women too. And the Muses' breathings blest Rouse the maiden's gentle breast, Tune the throat to minstrelsy, And with cheeks of beauteous dye, Bid it sing a worthy song. Sit the sister-band among; And their strains grow softer still, As they vie with earnest will.

One amongst the band betimes Goes to wander By the beeches, 'neath the limes. Yonder seeking, finding yonder