DISTICHS.

by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

CHORDS are touch'd by Apollo,--the death-laden
bow, too, he bendeth;

While he the shepherdess charms, Python he lays
in the dust.

WHAT is merciful censure? To make thy faults appear
smaller?

May be to veil them? No, no! O'er them to raise
thee on high!

DEMOCRATIC food soon cloys on the multitude's stomach;
But I'll wager, ere long, other thou'lt give them instead.

WHAT in France has pass'd by, the Germans continue
to practise,

For the proudest of men flatters the people and
fawns.

WHO is the happiest of men? He who values the merits
of others,
And in their pleasure takes joy, even as though 'twere his own.

NOT in the morning alone, not only at mid-day he
charmeth;

Even at setting, the sun is still the same glorious
planet.





Last updated May 02, 2015