Читать книгу The Greatest German Classics (Vol. 1-14) - Various - Страница 201

At length Fulfilment, fairest child of Jove,

Thou dost descend upon me from on high!

How vast thine image! Scarce my straining eye

Can reach thy hands, which, fill'd with golden fruit

And wreaths of blessing, from Olympus' height

Shower treasures down. As by his bounteous gifts

We recognize the monarch (for what seems

To thousands opulence, is naught to him),

So you, ye heavenly Powers, are also known

By bounty long withheld, and wisely plann'd.

Ye only know what things are good for us;

Ye view the future's wide-extended realm,

While from our eye a dim or starry veil

The prospect shrouds. Calmly ye hear our prayers,

When we like children sue for greater speed.

Not immature ye pluck heaven's golden fruit;

And woe to him, who with impatient hand,

His date of joy forestalling, gathers death.

Let not this long-awaited happiness,

Which yet my heart hath scarcely realiz'd,

Like to the shadow of departed friends,

Glide vainly by with triple sorrow fraught!

ORESTES (returning)

Dost thou for Pylades and for thyself

Implore the gods, blend not my name with yours;

Thou wilt not save the wretch whom thou wouldst join,

But will participate his curse and woe.