The Works of J. W. von Goethe/Volume 9/The Farewell

by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

For works with similar titles, see Farewell.

THE FAREWELL.

[Probably addressed to his mistress Frederica.]

Let mine eye the farewell say,
That my lips can utter ne'er;
Fain I'd be a man to-day.
Yet 'tis hard, oh, hard to bear!

Mournful in an hour like this
Is love's sweetest pledge, I ween;
Cold upon thy mouth the kiss,
Faint thy fingers' pressure e'en.

Oh, what rapture to my heart
Used each stolen kiss to bring!
As the violets joy impart,
Gathered in the early spring.

Now no garlands I entwine,
Now no roses pluck for thee,
Though 'tis springtime, Fanny mine,
Dreary autumn 'tis to me!