The Course of Life
 

   
           You too wanted better things, but love
           forces all of us down.  Sorrow bends us more
           forcefully, but the arc doesn't return to its
           point of origin without a reason.

 
           Upwards or downwards!  In holy Night,
           where mute Nature plans the coming days,
           doesn't there reign in the most twisted Orcus
           something straight and direct?

 
           This I have learned.  Never to my knowledge
           did you, all-preserving gods, like mortal
           masters, lead me providentially
           along a straight path.

 
           The gods say that man should test
           everything, and that strongly nourished
           he be thankful for everything, and understand
           the freedom to set forth wherever he will.

 

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