Goethe - Faust (7271-7294)

I’m awake! O let them linger there

Those images without compare,

As they reached my sight.

I’m moved so marvellously!

Is it dream? Or is it memory?

Once before, I knew this delight.

The waters creep through the freshness,

The softly swaying bushes’ thickness,

Without rushing, barely trickling:

A hundred founts from all sides press,

And gather to the purest brightness,

Fill the pool’s shallow ring.

Glowing limbs of young girls are

Reflected by the liquid mirror,

And added to the eye’s delight!

Companionably, bathing joyfully,

Swimming boldly, wading shyly,

Crying out, at last, in watery fight.

This sight’s enough to renew

My eyes with gazing at the view,

But ever wider vision strains.

My glance cuts sharply through the cover,

Rich foliage, green wealth, around her,

Serves to hide the noble queen.

Goethe - Faust (7271-7294)