Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/270

236 IN ABSENCE.

 THE MAGIC NET.

I see a contest yonder? See I miracles or pastimes? Beauteous urchins, five in number, 'Gainst five sisters fair contending,— Measured is the time they're beating— At a bright enchantress' bidding. Glittering spears by some are wielded, Threads are others nimbly twining, So that in their snares, the weapons, One would think, must needs be captured. Soon, in truth, the spears are prisoned: Yet they, in the gentle war-dance, One by one escape their fetters In the row of loops so tender, That make haste to seize a free one Soon as they release a captive. 