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.