The Works of J. W. von Goethe/Volume 9/Answers in a Game of Questions
ANSWERS IN A GAME OF QUESTIONS.
THE LADY.
In the small and great world too,
What most charms a woman's heart?
It is doubtless what is new,
For its blossoms joy impart;
Nobler far is what is true,
For fresh blossoms it can shoot
Even in the time of fruit.
THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN.
With the nymphs in wood and cave
Paris was acquainted well,
Till Zeus sent, to make him rave,
Three of those in Heaven who dwell;
And the choice more trouble gave
Than e'er fell to mortal lot,
Whether in old times or not.
THE EXPERIENCED.
Tenderly a woman view,
And thou'lt win her, take my word
He who's quick and saucy too,
Will of all men be preferred;
Who ne'er seems as if he knew
If he pleases, if he charms,—
He 'tis injures, he 'tis harms.
THE CONTENTED.
Manifold is human strife,
Human passion, human pain:
Many a blessing yet is rife,
Many pleasures still remain.
Yet the greatest bliss in life,
And the richest prize we find,
Is a good, contented mind.
THE MERRY COUNSEL.
He by whom man's foolish will
Is each day reviewed and blamed,
Who when others fools are still,
Is himself a fool proclaimed,—
Ne'er at mill was beast's back pressed
With a heavier load than he.
What I feel within my breast
That in truth's the thing for me!