Goethe: “The Spinner”

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As I calmly sat and spun,

Toiling with all zeal,

Lo! a young and handsome man

Pass’d my spinning-wheel.

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And he praised,–what harm was there?–

Sweet the things he said–

Praised my flax-resembling hair,

And the even thread.

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He with this was not content,

But must needs do more;

And in twain the thread was rent,

Though ’twas safe before.

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And the flax’s stone-like weight

Needed to be told;

But no longer was its state

Valued as of old.

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When I took it to the weaver,

Something felt I start,

And more quickly, as with fever,

Throbb’d my trembling heart.

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Then I bear the thread at length

Through the heat, to bleach;

But, alas, I scarce have strength

To the pool to reach.

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What I in my little room

Spun so fine and slight,–

As was likely. I presume–

Came at last to light.

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, July 11, 2009. Goethe

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