Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The Youth And The Millstream

YOUTH. SAY, sparkling streamlet, whither thou Art going! With joyous mien thy waters now Are flowing. Why seek the vale so hastily? Attend for once, and answer me! MILLSTREAM. Oh youth, I was a brook indeed; But lately My bed they've deepen'd, and my speed Swell'd greatly, That I may haste to yonder mill. And so I'm full and never still. YOUTH. The mill thou seekest in a mood Contented, And know'st not how my youthful blood 'S tormented. But doth the miller's daughter fair Gaze often on thee kindly there? MILLSTREAM. She opes the shutters soon as light Is gleaming; And comes to bathe her features bright And beaming. So full and snow-white is her breast,-- I feel as hot as steam suppress'd. YOUTH. If she in water can inflame Such ardour, Surely, then, flesh and blood to tame Is harder. When once is seen her beauteous face, One ever longs her steps to trace. MILLSTREAM. Over the wheel I, roaring, bound, All-proudly, And ev'ry spoke whirls swiftly round, And loudly. Since I have seen the miller's daughter, With greater vigour flows the water. YOUTH. Like others, then, can grief, poor brook, Oppress thee? "Flow on!"--thus she'll, with smiling look, Address thee. With her sweet loving glance, oh say, Can she thy flowing current stay? MILLSTREAM. 'Tis sad, 'tis sad to have to speed From yonder; I wind, and slowly through the mead Would wander; And if the choice remain'd with me, Would hasten back there presently. YOUTH. Farewell, thou who with me dost prove Love's sadness! Perchance some day thou'lt breathe of love And gladness. Go, tell her straight, and often too, The boy's mute hopes and wishes true.