J.W. Von Goethe's Works (Volume 8) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1903. Excerpt: ... For the armlet fair, and the jewelled crown Rest haughtily there, of their lustre proud; But enter and challenge them all, right soon Shall they 'quip them for war. I joy in the conflict where beauty vies With gold aud with pearl and with luminous gem. HELENA. Thereafter from my lord there followed this command: "Now when in order all thou thoroughly hast viewed, As many tripods take as thou shalt needful deem, And vessels of all kinds, which he at hand requires Who to the gods performs high sacrificial rites;--The caldrons, salvers too, and patera withal; Pure water crystal clear from the sacred fount be by, In lofty pitchers--well-dried fagots furthermore, That quickly kindle into flame, have ready there; And, last of all, fail not a knife of keenest edge; What other things may lack I trust thy care to find." So spake he, urging my departure straight; but nought That breathes the breath of life did his injunctions show, Which he, in honour of the Olympians, wished to slay. 'Tis very strange; yet I will nurse that thought no more, But leave all to the will of the great gods on high, Who bring to pass whate'er they in their minds decree; And seem it good to man, or seem it ill, it must Be borne; for mortal man, his duty is to bear. The ministering priest full many a time hath raised The ponderous axe above the earth-bowed victim's neck, Yet could not strike the blow, for suddenly his hand By intervening foe or deity was stayed. CHORUS. The fate of the future thou canst not divine. Enter, queen, enter, Be of good cheer Good and ill cometh To man without warning; E'en when foretold us we credit it not. What saw we, when Troy was in flames, before us? Death, death only, a death of shame Yet are we not here, Mated with thee, serving thee joyfully, Beholding...