FOR EVER.

Portrait of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1749–1832
17The Poems

THE happiness that man, whilst prison'd here,

Is wont with heavenly rapture to compare,-- The harmony of Truth, from wavering clear,--

Of Friendship that is free from doubting care,-- The light which in stray thoughts alone can cheer

The wise,--the bard alone in visions fair,-- In my best hours I found in her all this, And made mine own, to mine exceeding bliss.

                                1820.*

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