Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/41

Rh I would I were true, And my sweetheart still new!

I would I were old, And wrinkled and cold, So that if thou said'st No, I could stand such a blow! I would I were old, And wrinkled and cold.

An ape I would be, Full of mischievous glee; If aught came to vex thee, I'd plague and perplex thee. An ape I would be, Full of mischievous glee.

As a lamb I'd behave, As a lion be brave, As a lynx clearly see, As a fox cunning be. As a lamb I'd behave, As a lion be brave.

Whatever I were, All on thee I'd confer With the gifts of a prince My affection evince. Whatever I were, All on thee I'd confer.

As nought diff'rent can make me. As I am thou must take me! If I'm not good enough, Thou must cut thine own stuff. As nought diff'rent can make me, As I am thou must take me!