Twofold as yet, hasten on, destined to blend into one. Lovingly now the beauteous pairs are standing together, Gather'd in countless array, there where the altar is raised. Hymen hovereth o'er them, and scents delicious and mighty Stream forth their fragrance so sweet, all things enliv'ning around. Presently, parcell'd out, unnumber'd germs are seen swelling, Sweetly conceald in the womb, where is made perfect the fruit. Here doth Nature close the ring of her forces eternal; Yet doth a new one, at once, cling to the one gone before, So that the chain be prolonged for ever through all generations, And that the whole may have life, e'en as enjoy'd by each part. Now, my beloved one, turn thy gaze on the many-hued thousands Which, confusing no more, gladden the mind as they wave. Every plant unto thee proclaimeth the laws everlasting, Every flowered speaks louder and louder to thee; But if thou here canst decipher the mystic words of the goddess, Everywhere will they be seen, e'en though the features are changed. Creeping insects may linger, the eager butterfly hasten,-- Plastic and forming, may man change e'en the figure decreed! Oh, then, bethink thee, as well, how out of the germ of acquaintance, Kindly intercourse sprang, slowly unfolding its leaves; Soon how friendship with might unveil'd itself in our bosoms, And how Amor, at length, brought forth blossom and fruit Think of the manifold ways wherein Nature hath lent to our feelings, Silently giving them birth, either the first or the last! Yes, and rejoice in the present day! For love that is holy Seeketh the noblest of fruits,--that where the thoughts are the same, Where the opinions agree,--that the pair may, in rapt contemplation, Lovingly blend into one,--find the more excellent world. 1797. ----- PROVERBS. ----- 'TIS easier far a wreath to bind, Than a good owner fort to find. ----- I KILL'D a thousand flies overnight, Yet was waken'd by one, as soon as twas light. ----- To the mother I give; For the daughter I live. ----- A BREACH is every day, By many a mortal storm'd; Let them fall in the gaps as they may, Yet a heap of dead is ne'er form'd. ----- WHAT harm has thy poor mirror done, alas? Look not so ugly, prythee, in the glass! 1815.* ----- TAME XENIA. THE Epigrams bearing the title of XENIA were written by Goethe and Schiller together, having been first occasioned by some violent attacks made on them by some insignificant writers. They are extremely numerous, but scarcely any of them could be translated into English. Those here given are merely presented as a specimen. GOD gave to mortals birth, In his own image too; Then came Himself to earth, A mortal kind and true. 1821.* ----- BARBARIANS oft endeavour Gods for themselves to make But they're more hideous ever Than dragon or than snake.