Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/271

Rh So with contests, strivings, triumphs, Flying now, and now returning, Is an artful net soon woven, In its whiteness like the snowflakes, That, from light amid the darkness, Draw their streaky lines so varied, As e'en colours scarce can draw them.

Who shall now receive that garment Far beyond all others wished-for? Whom our much-loved mistress favour As her own acknowledged servant? I am blest by kindly Fortune's Tokens true, in silence prayed for! And I feel myself held captive, To her service now devoted.

Yet, e'en while I, thus enraptured, Thus adorned, am proudly wandering, See! yon wantons are entwining. Void of strife with secret ardour, Other nets, each fine and finer, Threads of twilight interweaving. Moonbeams sweet, night-violets' balsam.

Ere the net is noticed by us, Is a happier one imprisoned, Whom we, one and all, together Greet with envy and with blessings.

 THE CHURCH WINDOW.

minster window, richly glowing, With many a gorgeous stain and dye, Itself a parable, is showing, The might, the power of Poesy. 