The Christmas-Box

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1749 (Frankfurt) – 1832 (Weimar)



THIS box, mine own sweet darling, thou wilt find
With many a varied sweetmeat's form supplied;
The fruits are they of holy Christmas tide,
But baked indeed, for children's use design'd.
I'd fain, in speeches sweet with skill combin'd,
Poetic sweetmeats for the feast provide;
But why in such frivolities confide?
Perish the thought, with flattery to blind!
One sweet thing there is still, that from within,
Within us speaks,--that may be felt afar;
This may be wafted o'er to thee alone.
If thou a recollection fond canst win,
As if with pleasure gleam'd each well-known star,
The smallest gift thou never wilt disown.

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Submitted on May 13, 2011

Modified on March 10, 2023

34 sec read
109

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABBAABBACDECDE
Closest metre Iambic pentameter
Characters 613
Words 107
Stanzas 1
Stanza Lengths 14

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German writer and politician. more…

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