Part 33 (1/2)

Once wisdom dwelt in tomes of ponderous size, While friends.h.i.+p from a pocketbook would talk; But now that knowledge in small compa.s.s lies, And floats in almanacs, as light as cork, Courageous man, thou dost not hesitate To open for thy friends this house so great!

Hast thou no fear, I seriously would ask, That thou may'st thus their patience overtask?

VERSES WRITTEN IN THE ALb.u.m OF A FRIEND.

(HERR VON MECHELN OF BASLE.)

Nature in charms is exhaustless, in beauty ever reviving; And, like Nature, fair art is inexhaustible too.

Hail, thou honored old man! for both in thy heart thou preservest Living sensations, and thus ne'er-ending youth is thy lot!

THE SUNDAY CHILDREN.

Years has the master been laboring, but always without satisfaction; To an ingenious race 'twould be in vision conferred.

What they yesterday learned, to-day they fain would be teaching: Small compa.s.sion, alas, is by those gentlemen shown!

THE HIGHEST.

Seerest thou the highest, the greatest!

In that the plant can instruct thee; What it unwittingly is, be thou of thine own free will!

THE PUPPET-SHOW OF LIFE.

Thou'rt welcome in my box to peep!

Life's puppet-show, the world in little, Thou'lt see depicted to a t.i.ttle,-- But pray at some small distance keep!

'Tis by the torch of love alone, By Cupid's taper, it is shown.

See, not a moment void the stage is!

The child in arms at first they bring,-- The boy then skips,--the youth now storms and rages,-- The man contends, and ventures everything!

Each one attempts success to find, Yet narrow is the race-course ever; The chariot rolls, the axles quiver, The hero presses on, the coward stays behind, The proud man falls with mirth-inspiring fall, The wise man overtakes them all!

Thou see'st fair woman it the barrier stand, With beauteous hands, with smiling eyes, To glad the victor with his prize.

TO LAWGIVERS.

Ever take it for granted, that man collectively wishes That which is right; but take care never to think so of one!