Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

When I Was Still A Youthful Wight

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When I Was Still A Youthful Wight

WHEN I was still a youthful wight, So full of enjoyment and merry, The painters used to assert, in spite, That my features were small—yes, very; Yet then full many a beauteous child With true affection upon me smil'd. Now as a greybeard I sit here in state, By street and by lane held in awe, sirs; And may be seen, like old Frederick the Great, On pipebowls, on cups, and on saucers. Yet the beauteous maidens, they keep afar; Oh vision of youth! Oh golden star! Written at the age of 77