Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/263

Rh If perchance I slept a few short moments, Still my heart remained awake for ever, And awoke me from my gentle slumbers.

Yes, then blessed I night's o'erhanging darkness, That so calmly covered all things round me; I enjoyed the universal silence, While I listened ever in the silence, If perchance the slightest sounds were stirring.

"Had she only thoughts, my thoughts resembling, Had she only feelings, like my feelings, She would not await the dawn of morning, But, ere this, would surely have been with me."

Skipped a kitten on the floor above me, Scratched a mouse a panel in the corner, Was there in the house the slightest motion, Ever hoped I that I heard thy footstep, Ever thought I that I heard thee coming.

And so lay I long, and ever longer, And already was the daylight dawning, And both here and there were signs of movement.

"Is it yon door? Were it my door only!" In my bed I leaned upon my elbow, Looking toward the door, now half-apparent, If perchance it might not be in motion. Both the wings upon the latch continued, On the quiet hinges calmly hanging.

And the day grew bright and brighter ever; And I heard my neighbour's door unbolted, As he went to earn his daily wages, And ere long I heard the wagons rumbling, And the city gates were also opened,