Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/84

62 ILM, THE RIVER, TO THE MOON.

hill and vale again, Still with softening light! Loosest from the world's cold chain All my soul to-night!

Spreadest round me far and nigh, Soothingly, thy smile; From thee, as from friendship's eye, Sorrow shrinks the while.

Every echo thrills my heart,— Glad and gloomy mood, Joy and sorrow both have part In my solitude.

River, river, glide along! I am sad, alas! Fleeting things are love and song,— Even so they pass.

I have had and I have lost What I long for yet; Ah! why will we, to our cost, Simple joys forget?

River, river, glide along, Without stop or stay! Murmur, whisper to my song In melodious play.

Whether on a winter's night Rise thy swelling floods, Or in spring thou hast delight Watering the young buds.