THE CONSECRATED SPOT.

Portrait of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1749–1832
9The Poems

WHEN in the dance of the Nymphs, in the moonlight so holy assembled,

Mingle the Graces, down from Olympus in secret descending, Here doth the minstrel hide, and list to their numbers enthralling,

Here doth he watch their silent dances' mysterious measure. All that is glorious in Heaven, and all that the earth in her beauty

Ever hath brought into life, the dreamer awake sees before him; All he repeats to the Muses, and lest the gods should be anger'd,

How to tell of secrets discreetly, the Muses instruct him.

                                1789.*

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