IV
Mignon
Knowst thou the land where bloom the Lemon-trees,
And darkly gleam the golden oranges?
A gentle wind blows down from that blue sky;
Calm stands the Myrtle and the Laurel high.
Hast thou been there? Away, away!
O Father, let us seek that land some day.
Knowst thou the House, that gloriously glows
With shining rooms and pillared porticoes.
The marble statues stand and look at me:
Alas, poor child, what hath been done to thee?
Hast thou been there? Away, away!
Together let us go, brave friend, some day!
Knowst thou the Mountain with its crown of cloud?
The mule plods warily; the white mists shroud;
Coiled in their caves the ancient Dragons dream:
Down leaps the rock, and over it the stream.
Hast thou been there? Away, away!
There lies our path. O Father, come to-day!
(From Goethe.)
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