The Works of J. W. von Goethe/Volume 9/The Warning
For works with similar titles, see The Warning.
THE WARNING.
When sounds the trumpet at the Judgment Day,
And when for ever all things earthly die,
We must a full and true account supply
Of ev'ry useless word we dropped in play.
But what effect will all the words convey
Wherein with eager zeal and lovingly,
That I might win thy favour, laboured I,
If on thine ear alone they die away?
Therefore, sweet love, thy conscience bear in mind,
Remember well how long thou hast delayed,
So that the world such sufferings may not know.
If I must reckon, and excuses find
For all things useless I to thee have said,
To a full year the Judgment Day will grow.