Classic Poem

FROM THE GERMAN OF GOËTHE

Unnoticed in the lonely mead,
A Violet rear'd its modest head,
A sweet and lovely flower;
A blooming maid came gadding by,
With vacant heart, and gladsome eye,
And tripp'd with sportive careless tread.

" Ah! " thought the Violet, " had I now
The Rose's matchless form and glow,
Though transient were the power;
To be but pluck'd by that sweet maid,
And on her virgin bosom laid; —
Bless'd fate, what more could Heaven bestow? "

Along the lovely maiden pass'd,
Nor on the ground a look she cast,
But trod the hapless flower;
It sunk, it died, and yet was gay,
" And let me die, " was heard to say,
" 'Tis at her feet I breathe my last. "