Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832). Song of the Harper. Margarete Munsterberg, ed., trans. 1916. A Harvest of German Verse

Verse > Anthologies > Margarete Münsterberg, ed., trans. > A Harvest of German Verse

Margarete Münsterberg, ed., trans. A Harvest of German Verse. 1916.

Song of the Harper

By Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832)


WHO never ate his bread in tears,
Who never through the mournful night
Sat weeping on his bed with fears—
He knows not, heavenly powers, your might!

You plunge him into life amain,	5
You lead him into sin from dearth,
Then leave the poor man to his pain—
For all sin is revenged on earth.