1789.*
-----
The instructors.

When Diogenes quietly sunn’d himself in his barrel,

When Calanus with joy leapt in the flame-breathing grave,
Oh, what noble lessons were those for the rash son of Philip,

Were not the lord of the world e’en for instruction too great!

1789.*
-----
The unequal marriage,

Even this heavenly pair were unequally match’d when united: 

Psyche grew older and wise, Amor remain’d still a child,

1789.*
-----
Excuse.

Thou dost complain of woman for changing from one to another?

Censure her not:  for she seeks one who will constant remain.

1789.*
-----
Sakontala.

Wouldst thou the blossoms of spring, as well as the fruits of the autumn,

Wouldst thou what charms and delights, wouldst thou what

plenteously, feeds, Would thou include both Heaven and earth in one designation,

All that is needed is done, when I Sakontala name.

1792.
-----
The Muse’s mirror.

Early one day, the Muse, when eagerly bent on adornment,
Follow’d a swift-running streamlet, the quietest nook by it seeking. 
Quickly and noisily flowing, the changeful surface distorted
Ever her moving form; the goddess departed in anger. 
Yet the stream call’d mockingly after her, saying:  “What, truly! 
Wilt thou not view, then, the truth, in my mirror so clearly depicted?”
But she already was far away, on the brink of the ocean,
In her figure rejoicing, and duly arranging her garland.

1799.*
-----
Phoebus and Hermes.

Delos’ stately ruler, and Maia’s son, the adroit one,

Warmly were striving, for both sought the great prize to obtain. 
Hermes the lyre demanded, the lyre was claim’d by Apollo,

Yet were the hearts of the foes fruitlessly nourish’d by hope. 
For on a sudden Ares burst in, with fury decisive,

Dashing in twain the gold toy, brandishing wildly his sword. 
Hermes, malicious one, laughed beyond measure; yet deep-seated sorrow

Seized upon Phoebus’s heart, seized on the heart of each Muse.

1799.*
-----
The new Amor.

Amor, not the child, the youthful lover of Psyche,
Look’d round Olympus one day, boldly, to triumph inured;
There he espied a goddess, the fairest amongst the immortals,—­
Venus Urania she,—­straight was his passion inflamed. 
Even the holy one powerless proved, alas! ’gainst his wooing,—­
Tightly embraced in his arm, held her the daring one fast. 
Then from their union arose a new, a more beauteous Amor,
Who from his father his wit, grace from his mother derives. 
Ever thou’lt find him join’d in the kindly Muses’ communion,
And his charm-laden bolt foundeth the love of the arts.