Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/92

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Down descended the decoy, Soon a fish attacked the bait; One exulting shout of joy,— And the fish was captured straight.

Ah! on shore, and to the wood, Past the cliffs, o'er stock and stone, One foot's traces I pursued, And the maiden was alone. Lips were silent, eyes downcast As a clasp-knife snaps the bait, With her snare she seized me fast, And the boy was captured straight.

Heaven knows who's the happy swain That she rambles with anew! I must dare the sea again, Spite of wind and weather, too. When the great and little fish Wail and flounder in my net, Straight returns my eager wish In her arms to revel yet!

 MARCH.

snowflakes fall in showers, The time is absent still, When all Spring's beauteous flowers, When all Spring's beauteous flowers Our hearts with joy shall fill.

With lustre false and fleeting The sun's bright rays are thrown; The swallow's self is cheating, The swallow's self is cheating; And why? He comes alone! 