Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/309

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POEMS OF GOETHE
275

OLD AGE.

Old age is courteous—no one more:
For time after time he knocks at the door,
But nobody says, "Walk in, sir, pray!"
Yet turns he not from the door away,
But lifts the latch and enters with speed,
And then they cry, "A cool one, indeed!"


EPITAPH.

As a boy, reserved and naughty;
As a youth, a coxcomb and haughty;
As a man, for action inclined;
As a graybeard, fickle in mind.
Upon thy grave will people read:
This was a very man, indeed!


RULE FOR MONARCHS.

If men are never their thoughts to employ,
Take care to provide them a life full of joy;
But if to some profit and use thou wouldst bend them,
Take care to shear them, and then defend them.


PAULO POST FUTURI.

Weep ye not, ye children dear,
That as yet ye are unborn:
For each sorrow and each tear
Makes the father's heart to mourn.