To be like a fish, <br />Brisk and quick, is my wish; <br />If thou cam'st with thy line. <br />Thou wouldst soon make me thine. <br />To be like a fish, <br />Brisk and quick, is my wish. <br /> <br />Oh, were I a steed! <br />Thou wouldst love me indeed. <br />Oh, were I a car <br />Fit to bear thee afar! <br />Oh, were I a steed! <br />Thou wouldst love me indeed. <br /> <br />I would I were gold <br />That thy fingers might hold! <br />If thou boughtest aught then, <br />I'd return soon again. <br />I would I were gold <br />That thy fingers might hold! <br /> <br />I would I were true, <br />And my sweetheart still new! <br />To be faithful I'd swear, <br />And would go away ne'er. <br />I would I were true, <br />And my sweetheart still new! <br /> <br />I would I were old, <br />And wrinkled and cold, <br />So that if thou said'st No, <br />I could stand such a blow! <br />I would I were old, <br />And wrinkled and cold. <br /> <br />An ape I would be, <br />Full of mischievous glee; <br />If aught came to vex thee, <br />I'd plague and perplex thee. <br />An ape I would be, <br />Full of mischievous glee <br /> <br />As a lamb I'd behave, <br />As a lion be brave, <br />As a lynx clearly see, <br />As a fox cunning be. <br />As a lamb I'd behave, <br />As a lion be brave. <br /> <br />Whatever I were, <br />All on thee I'd confer; <br />With the gifts of a prince <br />My affection evince. <br />Whatever I were, <br />All on thee I'd confer. <br /> <br />As nought diff'rent can make me, <br />As I am thou must take me! <br />If I'm not good enough, <br />Thou must cut thine own stuff. <br />As nought diff'rent can make me, <br />As I am thou must take me!<br /><br />Johann Wolfgang von Goethe<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lover-in-all-shapes/
