German Ballads And Poems With An English Translation

Author : Goethe
Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN 13 : 9781546869801
Total Pages : 336 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (698 download)

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Download or read book The Minor Poetry of Goethe written by Goethe and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-05-22 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the INTRODUCTION. TRANSLATIONS of the lyrical poems of Goethe have often been laid before the English and American admirers of German poetry; but hitherto only in connection with those of other German poets. The present selection, which is devoted to him alone, is, it is believed, also numerically greater than any that has preceded it. It would not, however, have been out of place, even if it had only traversed the same ground that its predecessors had passed over. To those, indeed, who are unacquainted with the original, two versions are not better than one; but translations are rarely read, except by those who have some knowledge of the work in its primary form; and to these there is value in every new attempt to express, in their own familiar language, the beauty of sentiment which they have admired in another, however moderate the success of the attempt may be. When we read the lighter poetry of a strange language, we commonly feel a desire to attempt to render into our own those pieces, which are especially recommended to us by some new and beautiful thought, or by the happy expression of feelings that have lain long unuttered in our own minds: " Thoughts that we have cherished long Intermingled with the song." Many of the present translations originated in a similar feeling, before any intention had been entertained of venturing upon the hazardous task of preparing an English version of the great German Bard for publication. The songs and other poems, which relate to Frederica Brion and to Lili, were among those to which attention was naturally directed, by the perusal of the poet's autobiography. Mr. Lewes's Life of Goethe had not yet been made public, and the information which could be obtained in the English language concerning the first of these persons was limited to the account given by Goethe himself. To gratify a perhaps foolish curiosity, and for the purpose of getting a thorough understanding of the poems addressed to her, the publications which relate to Frederica were obtained from Germany. Mr. Lewes's full account of her and others, in whom Goethe became interested, supplies all that could be desired to be known regarding them; but, for the sake of illustration, a short notice of these persons will be given at the end of this introduction. Of the poet, and of the character of his poetry, the translator will venture to say but little. Criticism is so high an art, and in this instance the subject of it so exalted, that the ground would be dangerous. Nor would it be worthwhile merely to repeat what has been said by others. It will only be remarked, that the poems in this collection belong, for the most part, to his earlier years; his later lyrical writings being deficient in the warmth and simplicity which distinguish the productions of his youth. For in this kind of poetry, experience and the increase of knowledge are in vain, Pues amor para ser sabio No va � la universidad. * * * * Y asi en su ciencia ver�s Que los que la cursan mas, Son los que la saben menos. Concerning the execution of the work, it may be observed, that the translator has labored to be faithful, although, no doubt, it will be found that here and there his unskilfulness has caused him to sacrifice reason to rhyme.