DISTICHS.

Portrait of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1749–1832
19The Poems

CHORDS are touch'd by Apollo,--the death-laden bow, too, he bendeth;

While he the shepherdess charms, Python he lays in the dust.

WHAT is merciful censure? To make thy faults appear smaller?

May be to veil them? No, no! O'er them to raise thee on high!

DEMOCRATIC food soon cloys on the multitude's stomach; But I'll wager, ere long, other thou'lt give them instead.

WHAT in France has pass'd by, the Germans continue to practise,

For the proudest of men flatters the people and fawns.

WHO is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, And in their pleasure takes joy, even as though 'twere his own.

NOT in the morning alone, not only at mid-day he charmeth;

Even at setting, the sun is still the same glorious planet. -----

Keep reading

Discover more of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s poetry.

Explore all poems

Readers

Reader discussion

Your turn

Shown with your comment.

Never published. Only so we can reach you.

Comments are read before they appear. See our terms.