Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

We frolic while 'tis May.

We frolic while 'tis May.

Girls we love for what they are; young men for what they promise to be.

Girls we love for what they are; young men for what they promise to be.

The coward only threatens when he is safe.
[Ger., Der Fiege droht nur, wo er sicher ist.]

The coward only threatens when he is safe.
[Ger., Der Fiege droht nur, wo er sicher ist.]

No sacred fane requires us to submit to insult.
[Ger., Kein Heiligthum heisst uns den Schimpf ertragen.]

No sacred fane requires us to submit to insult.
[Ger., Kein Heiligthum heisst uns den Schimpf ertragen.]

Cursed Mammon be, when he with treasures
To restless action spurs our fate!
Cursed when for soft, read more

Cursed Mammon be, when he with treasures
To restless action spurs our fate!
Cursed when for soft, indulgent leisures,
He lays for us the pillows straight.