Tame Xenia

Read 'Tame Xenia' by 'Johann Wolfgang von Goethe' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

Tame Xenia by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

 THE Epigrams bearing the title of XENIA were written 
by Goethe and Schiller together, having been first occasioned by 
some violent attacks made on them by some insignificant writers. 
They are extremely numerous, but scarcely any of them could be translated 
into English. Those here given are merely presented as a specimen.

GOD gave to mortals birth,

In his own image too;
Then came Himself to earth,

A mortal kind and true.

 1821.*

BARBARIANS oft endeavour

Gods for themselves to make
But they're more hideous ever

Than dragon or than snake.

 1821.*

WHAT shall I teach thee, the very first thing?--
Fain would I learn o'er my shadow to spring!

 1827.*

"WHAT is science, rightly known?
'Tis the strength of life alone.
Life canst thou engender never,
Life must be life's parent ever.

 1827.*

It matters not, I ween,

Where worms our friends consume,
Beneath the turf so green,

Or 'neath a marble tomb.
Remember, ye who live,

Though frowns the fleeting day,
That to your friends ye give

What never will decay.

 1827.*

Form: Epigram Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace