The Works of J. W. von Goethe/Volume 9/Food in Travel
FOOD IN TRAVEL.
If to her eyes bright lustre I were blind,
No longer would they serve my life to gild.
The will of destiny must be fulfilled,—
This knowing, I withdrew with saddened mind,
No further happiness I now could find;
The former longings of my heart were stilled,
I sought her looks alone, whereon to build
My joy in life—all else was left behind.
Wine's genial glow, the festal banquet gay,
Ease, sleep, and friends, all wonted pleasures glad
I spurned, till little there remained to prove.
Now calmly through the world I wend my way:
That which I crave may everywhere be had,
With me I bring the one thing needful—love.