The Works of J. W. von Goethe/Volume 9/Spirit Greeting

by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

SPIRIT GREETING.

Upon a tower antique and high
Stood ghost of hero brave,
Who, as the ship went sailing by,
This "God-speed" to her gave.

"See! these my sinews stark were once,
This heart beat fast and wild,
Of knightly marrow full these bones,
Brimful this goblet filled.

"Half of my life in storm was passed,
Half wasted was in ease,
Speed, human cargo, far and fast,
On, on, before the breeze!"