And roguish violets
Hidden with care.
But these are only examples. To obtain a clear idea of Goethe's attitude, we must take a more general survey of his work, for his poetic relationship to Nature, like his mental development in general, passed through various stages of growth. That it was a warm one even in youth is shewn by the letter in 1766 from Leipzig[[9]]:
You live contented in M. I even so here. Lonely, lonely, altogether lonely. Dearest Riese, this loneliness has impressed my soul with a certain sadness.
This solitary joy is mine,
When far apart from all mankind,
By shady brook-side to recline.
And keep my loved ones in my mind....
He goes on with these lines: