Go down, lovely sun
Walter Steffens
Go down, lovely sun, they paid
little heed to you; they knew you not, holy one.
For effortlessly and silently you
rose over those who must work hard.
To me you are friendly, rising or setting, o Light,
and indeed my eye recognizes you, magnificent one!
for I learned divine, quiet respect
when Diotima healed my mind.
O you messenger of Heaven, how I listened to you,
to you, Diotima, love! How my eye gazed from you
to the golden day,
upward, gleaming and full of thanks. Then murmured
the springs more vitally, breathed
the dark earth's blossoms lovingly on me,
and smiling over silver clouds,
the sky bowed down in blessing.