The Works of J. W. von Goethe/Volume 9/When the Fox Dies His Skin Counts

The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9 by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
When the Fox Dies His Skin Counts

"Dorilis then Gave It Me"

Photogravure from the painting by F. Kirchbach

WHEN THE FOX DIES HIS SKIN COUNTS.^[1]

We young people in the shade
Sat one sultry day;
Cupid came, and "Dies the Fox'
With us sought to play.

Each one of my friends then sat
By his mistress dear;
Cupid, blowing out the torch,
Said: "The taper's here!"

Then we quickly sent around
The expiring brand;
Each one put it hastily
In his neighbour's hand.

Dorilis then gave it me,
With a scoffing jest;
Sudden into flame it broke,
By my fingers pressed.

And it singed my eyes and face,
Set my breast on fire;
Then above my head the blaze
Mounted ever higher.

Vain I sought to put it out;
Ever burned the flame;
'Stead of dying, soon the Fox
Livelier still became.

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