Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I make presents to the mother, but think of the daughter.
[Ger., Der Mutter schenk' ich,
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I make presents to the mother, but think of the daughter.
[Ger., Der Mutter schenk' ich,
Die Tochter denk' ich.]

Every situation, every moment -- is of infinite worth; for it is the representative of a whole eternity.

Every situation, every moment -- is of infinite worth; for it is the representative of a whole eternity.

I consider him of no account who esteems himself just as the
popular breath may chance to raise him.
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I consider him of no account who esteems himself just as the
popular breath may chance to raise him.
[Ger., Ich halte nichts von dem, der von sich denkt
Wie ihn das Volk vielleicht erheben mochte.]

He who serves the public is a poor animal; he worries himself to
death and no one thanks him read more

He who serves the public is a poor animal; he worries himself to
death and no one thanks him for it.
[Ger., Wer dem Publicum dient, ist ein armes Thier;
Er qualt sich ab, niemand bedankt sich dafur.]

There was a king of Thule,
Was faithful till the grave,
To whom his mistress dying,
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There was a king of Thule,
Was faithful till the grave,
To whom his mistress dying,
A golden goblet gave.
[Ger., Es war ein Konig in Tule
Gar treu bis an das Grab,
Dem sterbend seine Buhle
Einen gold'nen Becher gab.]