English poem
Margaret
by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832)
Almighty God! I am undone!
VALENTINE I'm dying--'tis a soon-told tale, And sooner done the deed. Why, women, do ye howl and wail? To my last words give heed! (All gather round him.) My Gretchen, see! still young art thou, Art not discreet enough, I trow, Thou dost thy matters ill; Let this in confidence be said: Since thou the path of shame dost tread, Tread it with right good will!