THE SPIRIT'S SALUTE.

Portrait of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1749–1832
66The Poems

THE hero's noble shade stands high

On yonder turret grey; And as the ship is sailing by,

He speeds it on his way.

"See with what strength these sinews thrill'd!

This heart, how firm and wild! These bones, what knightly marrow fill'd!

This cup, how bright it smil'd!

"Half of my life I strove and fought,

And half I calmly pass'd; And thou, oh ship with beings fraught,

Sail safely to the last!"

1774.

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