Explore "In Thousand Forms" by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
IN thousand forms mayst thou attempt surprise,
Yet, all-beloved-one, straight know I thee; Thou mayst with magic veils thy face disguise,
And yet, all-present-one, straight know I thee.
Upon the cypress' purest, youthful bud,
All-beauteous-growing-one, straight know I thee; In the canal's unsullied, living flood,
All-captivating-one, well know I thee.
When spreads the water-column, rising proud,
All-sportive one, how gladly know I thee; When, e'en in forming, is transform'd the cloud,
All-figure-changing-one, there know I thee.
Veil in the meadow-carpet's flowery charms,
All-checkered-starry-fair-one, know I thee; And if a plant extend its thousand arms,
O, all-embracing-one, there know I thee.
When on the mount is kindled morn's sweet light,
Straightway, all-gladdening-one, salute I thee, The arch of heaven o'er head grows pure and bright, --
All-heart-expanding-one, then breathe I thee.
That which my inward, outward sense proclaims,
Thou all-instructing-one, I know through thee; And if I utter Allah's hundred names,
A name with each one echoes, meant for thee.