“ Waste not a day in vain digression:With resolute, courageous trustSeize every possible impression,And make it firmly your possession; ”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Faust (1808). copy citation
| Author | Johann Wolfgang von Goethe |
|---|---|
| Source | Faust |
| Topic | trust impression digression |
| Date | 1808 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Bayard Taylor |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/14591/14591-h/14591-h.htm |
Context
“If Poetry be your vocation, Let Poetry your will obey! Full well you know what here is wanting; The crowd for strongest drink is panting, And such, forthwith, I'd have you brew. What's left undone to-day, To-morrow will not do. Waste not a day in vain digression: With resolute, courageous trust Seize every possible impression, And make it firmly your possession; You'll then work on, because you must. Upon our German stage, you know it, Each tries his hand at what he will; So, take of traps and scenes your fill, And all you find, be sure to show it! Use both the great and lesser heavenly light,—”
source
Meaning and analysis
