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Poems of Goethe
HERMANN AND DOROTHEA.
FORTUNE AND LOT.
Never before have I seen our market and streets so deserted;
Truly the town is as though 'twere swept out, or dead: for not fifty
Still are remaining behind, methinks, of our whole population.
What will not curiosity do? Thus runneth and rusheth,
Each one now to see the train of the poor wretched exiles.
Up to the causeway on which they travel, is nigh an hour's journey.
Still runs thither the crowd, in the dust and heat of the midday;
Yet, should not I like to stir from my place to see what affliction
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