Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/385

Rh Nearer was heard the cry "Alexis!" The stripling who sought me Suddenly peeped through the door. How he the basket snatched up! How he urged me away! how pressed I thy hand! Dost thou ask me How the vessel I reached? Drunken I seemed, well I know. Drunken my shipmates believed me, and so had pity upon me; And as the breeze drove us on, distance the town soon obscured. "Thine for ever!" thou, Dora, didst murmur; it fell on my senses With the thunder of Zeus! while by the thunderer's throne Stood his daughter, the Goddess of Love; the Graces were standing Close by her side! so the bond beareth an impress divine! Oh, then hasten, thou ship, with every favouring zephyr! Onward, thou powerful keel, cleaving the waves as they foam! Bring me unto the foreign harbour, so that the goldsmith May in his workshop prepare straightway the heavenly pledge! Ay, of a truth, the chain shall indeed be a chain, O my Dora! Nine times encircling thy neck, loosely around it entwined. Other and manifold trinkets I'll buy thee; goldmounted bracelets, Richly and skilfully wrought, also shall grace thy fair hand.