Amicale

On this Friday 19 March, the 7th day of the "Spring of Poets", we share the poem sent by Ambassador Rolf Mafael, Permanent Representative of Germany and Chairman of the Ministers' Deputies.

As part of last year’s 250th anniversary of Goethe's arrival to Strasbourg, we are sending you his poem "Maifest" as German contribution to the Amicale’s initiative “Le Printemps des Poètes”. J.W. von Goethe as one of the most famous German poets wrote this poem during his creative times here in the Alsace region. This poem focuses mainly on his relationship with Friederike Brion, a woman he fell in love with, while studying Law in Strasbourg. Written in 1771, this poem is an essential part of his "Sessenheimer poetry". It is worth mentioning that Goethe stayed in Strasbourg from April 1770 to August 1771 and, according to autobiographical writings, found himself artistically. Goethe's life in Strasbourg will therefore have a decisive impact on his later career as a poet and novelist, among others. In addition to the poem's cultural-historical significance, it also brings a bit of joy to these challenging and sometimes very dark times. 

MAIFEST

Wie herrlich leuchtet
Mir die Natur!
Wie glänzt die Sonne!
Wie lacht die Flur!

Es dringen Blüten
Aus jedem Zweig
Und tausend Stimmen
Aus dem Gesträuch

Und Freud' und Wonne
Aus jeder Brust.
O Erd', o Sonne!
O Glück, o Lust!

O Lieb', o Liebe!
So golden schön,
Wie Morgenwolken
Auf jenen Höhn!

Du segnest herrlich
Das frische Feld,
Im Blütendampfe
Die volle Welt.

O Mädchen, Mädchen,
Wie lieb' ich dich!
Wie blickt dein Auge!
Wie liebst du mich!

So liebt die Lerche
Gesang und Luft,
Und Morgenblumen
Den Himmelsduft,

Wie ich dich liebe
Mit warmem Blut,
Die du mir Jugend
Und Freud' und Mut

Zu neuen Liedern
Und Tänzen gibst.
Sei ewig glücklich,
Wie du mich liebst!

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.