Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The decline in literature indicates a decline in the nation. The two keep pace in their downward tendency.

The decline in literature indicates a decline in the nation. The two keep pace in their downward tendency.

Deny yourself! You must deny yourself! That is the song that never ends.

Deny yourself! You must deny yourself! That is the song that never ends.

Only the heart without a stain knows perfect ease.
[Ger., Ganz unbefleckt geniesst sich nur das Herz.]

Only the heart without a stain knows perfect ease.
[Ger., Ganz unbefleckt geniesst sich nur das Herz.]

Wept o'er his wounds, or tales of sorrow done,
Shoulder'd his crutch, and show'd how fields were won.

Wept o'er his wounds, or tales of sorrow done,
Shoulder'd his crutch, and show'd how fields were won.

In the twilight of morning to climb to the top of the mountain,--
Thee to salute, kindly star, earliest read more

In the twilight of morning to climb to the top of the mountain,--
Thee to salute, kindly star, earliest herald of day,--
And to await, with impatience, the gaze of the ruler of heaven.--
Youthful delight, oh, how oft lur'st thou me out in the night.