Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Joy

A DRAGON-FLY with beauteous wing Is hov'ring o'er a silv'ry spring; I watch its motions with delight,— Now dark its colours seem, now bright; Chameleon-like appear, now blue, Now red, and now of greenish hue. Would it would come still nearer me, That I its tints might better see It hovers, flutters, resting ne'er! But hush! it settles on the mead. I have it safe now, I declare! And when its form I closely view, 'Tis of a sad and dingy blue— Such, Joy-Dissector, is thy case indeed