Venetian Epigrams by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

URN and sarcophagus erst were with life adorn'd by the heathen

Fauns are dancing around, while with the Bacchanal troop Chequerd circles they trace; and the goat-footed, puffy-cheekd player

Wildly produceth hoarse tones out of the clamorous horn. Cymbals and drums resound; we see and we hear, too, the marble.

Fluttering bird! oh how sweet tastes the ripe fruit to thy bill! Noise there is none to disturb thee, still less to scare away Amor,

Who, in the midst of the throng, learns to delight in his torch. Thus doth fullness overcome death; and the ashes there cover'd

Seem, in that silent domain, still to be gladdend with life. Thus may the minstrel's sarcophagus be hereafter surrounded

With such a scroll, which himself richly with life has adorn'd.

CLASP'D in my arms for ever eagerly hold I my mistress,

Ever my panting heart throbs wildly against her dear breast, And on her knees forever is leaning my head, while I'm gazing

Now on her sweet-smiling mouth, now on her bright sparkling eyes. "Oh thou effeminate! " spake one, "and thus, then, thy days thou art spending?"

Ah, they in sorrow are spent. List while I tell thee my tale: Yes! I have left my only joy in life far behind me,

Twenty long days hath my car borne me away from her sight. Vettrini defy me, while crafty chamberlains flatter,

And the sly Valet de place thinks but of lies and deceit. If I attempt to escape, the Postmaster fastens upon me,

Postboys the upper hand get, custom-house duties enrage. "Truly, I can't understand thee! thou talkest enigmas! thou seemest

Wrapp'd in a blissful repose, glad as Rinaldo of yore: Ah, I myself understand full well; 'tis my body that travels,

And 'tis my spirit that rests still in my mistress's arms.

I WOULD liken this gondola unto the soft-rocking cradle,

And the chest on its deck seems a vast coffin to be. Yes! 'tween the cradle and coffin, we totter and waver for ever

On the mighty canal, careless our lifetime is spent.

WHY are the people thus busily moving? For food they are seeking,