The Epochs

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

The Epochs by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

 ON Petrarch's heart, all other days before,

In flaming letters written, was impress d

GOOD FRIDAY. And on mine, be it confess'd,
Is this year's ADVENT, as it passeth o'er.

I do not now begin,--I still adore

Her whom I early cherish'd in my breast;,

Then once again with prudence dispossess'd,
And to whose heart I'm driven back once more.

The love of Petrarch, that all-glorious love,

Was unrequited, and, alas, full sad;

 One long Good Friday 'twas, one heartache drear

But may my mistress' Advent ever prove,

With its palm-jubilee, so sweet and glad,

 One endless Mayday, through the livelong year!

 1807.

Form: Italian Sonnet Comments

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