The Works of J. W. von Goethe/Volume 9/Comfort in Tears
COMFORT IN TEARS.
How is it that thou art so sad
When others are so gay?
Thou hast been weeping—nay, thou hast!
Thine eyes the truth betray.
"And if I may not choose but weep.
Is not my grief mine own?
No heart was heavier yet for tears—
Oh, leave me, friend, alone!"
Come join this once the merry band,
They call aloud for thee,
And mourn no more for what is lost,
But let the past go free.
"Oh, little know ye in your mirth,
What wrings my heart so deep!
I have not lost the idol yet,
For which I sigh and weep."
Then rouse thee and take heart! thy blood
Is young and full of fire;
Youth should have hope and might to win,
And wear its best desire.
"Oh, never may I hope to gain
What dwells from me so far;
It stands as high, it looks as bright,
As yonder burning star."
Why, who would seek to woo the stars
Down from their glorious sphere?
Enough it is to worship them,
When nights are calm and clear.
"Oh, I look up and worship too—
My star it shines by day—
Then let me weep the livelong night
The whilst it is away."