by Coleridge · Cluster: Unrequited Frustrated Love · Unattainable Beloved · Petrarchan Sonnet

Abstract

A short lyric after Goethe’s Mignon (‘Kennst du das Land’), yearning toward a warm southern land of citrons and myrtle to wander there with a beloved friend.

Connections

Topoi: Locus Amoenus Motifs: Nature, Journey Themes & Concepts: Nostalgia Forms & Genres: Lyric, Translation

Testo integrale / Full text

Know’st thou the land where the pale citrons grow,
The golden fruits in darker foliage glow?
Soft blows the wind that breathes from that blue sky!
Still stands the myrtle and the laurel high!
Know’st thou it well, that land, beloved Friend? 5
Thither with thee, O, thither would I wend!
? 1799.