Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Book Of Suleika - These Tufted Branches

THESE tufted branches fair Observe, my loved one, well! And see the fruits they bear In green and prickly shell! They've hung roll'd up, till now, Unconsciously and still; A loosely-waving bough Doth rock them at its will. Yet, ripening from within. The kernel brown swells fast; It seeks the air to win, It seeks the sun at last. With joy it bursts its thrall, The shell must needs give way. 'Tis thus my numbers fall Before thy feet, each day.