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Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Wont And Done
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I HAVE loved; for the first time with passion I rave!
I then was the servant, but now am the slave;

       I then was the servant of all:
By this creature so charming I now am fast bound,
To love and love`s guerdon she turns all around,

       And her my sole mistress I call.

l`ve had faith; for the first time my faith is now strong!
And though matters go strangely, though matters go wrong,

       To the ranks of the faithful I`m true:
Though ofttimes `twas dark and though ofttimes `twas drear,
In the pressure of need, and when danger was near,

       Yet the dawning of light I now view.

I have eaten; but ne`er have thus relish`d my food!
For when glad are the senses, and joyous the blood,

       At table all else is effaced
As for youth, it but swallows, then whistles an air;
As for me, to a jovial resort I`d repair,

       Where to eat, and enjoy what I taste.

I have drunk; but have never thus relish`d the bowl!
For wine makes us lords, and enlivens the soul,

       And loosens the trembling slave`s tongue.
Let`s not seek to spare then the heart-stirring drink,
For though in the barrel the old wine may sink,

       In its place will fast mellow the young.

I have danced, and to dancing am pledged by a vow!
Though no caper or waltz may be raved about now,

       In a dance that`s becoming, whirl round.
And he who a nosegay of flowers has dress`d,
And cares not for one any more than the rest,

       With a garland of mirth is aye crown`d.

Then once more be merry, and banish all woes!
For he who but gathers the blossoming rose.

       By its thorns will be tickled alone.
To-day still, as yesterday, glimmers the star;
Take care from all heads that hang down to keep far,

       And make but the future thine own.
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