The Works of J. W. von Goethe/Volume 9/Songs

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SONGS.

Songs are like painted window-panes!
In darkness wrapped the church remains,
If from the market-place we view it;
Thus sees the ignoramus through it.
No wonder that he deems it tame,—
And all his life 'twill be the same.

But let us now inside repair,
And greet the holy chapel there!
At once the whole seems clear and bright,
Each ornament is bathed in light,
And fraught with meaning to the sight.
God's children! thus your fortune prize,
Be edified, and feast your eyes!