Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/40

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18
POEMS OF GOETHE

I bashfully go,—
Who I am, he can't trace;
He pinches my cheeks,
And he looks in my face.

The town girl now threatens
You maidens with war;
Her twofold charms pledges
Of victory are.


LOVER IN ALL SHAPES.

To be like a fish,
Brisk and quick is my wish;
If thou cam'st with thy line,
Thou wouldst soon make me thine,
To be like a fish,
Brisk and quick is my wish.

Oh, were I a steed!
Thou wouldst love me indeed.
Oh, were I a car
Fit to bear thee afar!
Oh, were I a steed!
Thou wouldst love me indeed.

I would I were gold
That thy finger might hold!
If thou boughtest aught then,
I'd return soon again.
I would I were gold
That thy fingers might hold!

I would I were true,
And my sweetheart still new!
To be faithful I'd swear,

And would go away ne'er.