The Works of J. W. von Goethe/Volume 9/Mignon
MIGNON
[This universally known poem is also to be found in "Wilhelm Meister."]
"Knowest thou the land where citron-apples bloom,
And oranges like gold in leafy gloom,
A gentle wind from deep blue heaven blows,
The myrtle thick, and high the laurel grows?
Knowest thou it then?
'Tis there! 'Tis there!
O my true loved one, thou with me must go!
"Knowest thou the house, its porch with pillars tall,
The rooms do glitter, glitters bright the hall,
And marble statues stand, and look each one:
What's this, poor child, to thee they've done?
Knowest thou it then?
'Tis there! 'Tis there!
O my protector, thou with me must go!
"Knowest thou the hill, the bridge that hangs on clouds,
The mules in mist grope o'er the torrent loud,
In caves lay coiled the dragon's ancient hood,
The crag leaps down, and over it the flood:
Knowest thou it then?
'Tis there! 'Tis there!
Our way runs; O my father, wilt thou go?"