THE BLISS OF ABSENCE
DRINK, oh youth, joy's purest ray From thy loved one's eyes all day, And her image paint at night! Better rule no lover knows, Yet true rapture greater grows, When far sever'd from her sight. Powers eternal, distance, time, Like the might of stars sublime, Gently rock the blood to rest, O'er my senses softness steals, Yet my bosom lighter feels, And I daily am more blest. Though I can forget her ne'er, Yet my mind is free from care, I can calmly live and move; Unperceived infatuation Longing turns to adoration, Turns to reverence my love. Ne'er can cloud, however light, Float in ether's regions bright, When drawn upwards by the sun, As my heart in rapturous calm. Free from envy and alarm, Ever love I her alone! 1767-9. I feel this is most definitely about a women he loved or had a great attraction towards. The poem depicts how in literal words her image paints the night. Which I believe is describing how he thinks of her night and day. Also, the word sun is written which is known for emitting light. This could be referring to his love. Well I love your poetry Goethe