By the River
By the River - meaning Summary
Caution by the River
Goethe uses the scene of a river and its changing conditions to urge prudent, timely action. Natural details — shallow floods, ships, fishers, ice, and obstructing boys — illustrate obstacles and fluctuating opportunity. The poem advises neither procrastination nor rash haste but measured, attentive effort. Its final admonition frames time as steady and impartial, so successful outcomes require careful timing and consistent work.
Read Complete AnalysesWhen by the broad stream thou dost dwell, Oft shallow is its sluggish flood; Then, when thy fields thou tendest well, It o'er them spreads its slime and mud. The ships descend ere daylight wanes, The prudent fisher upward goes; Round reef and rock ice casts its chains, And boys at will the pathway close. To this attend, then, carefully, And what thou wouldst, that execute! Ne'er linger, ne'er o'erhasty be, For time moves on with measured foot.
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