My motto is--Content with this.
Gold--rank--I prize not such.
That which I have, my measure is;
Wise men desire not much.
Men wish and wish, and have their will,
And wish again, as hungry still.
And gold or honour, though it rings,
Is but a brittle glass;
Experience of changing things
Might teach a very ass!
Right often Many turns to None,
And honour has but a short run.
To do right, to be good and clear,
Is more than rank and gold;
Then art thou always of good cheer,
And blisses hast untold;
Then art thou with thyself at one,
And hatest no man, fearest none.
I am content. In triumph's tone,
My song, let people know!
And many a mighty man, with throne
And sceptre, is not so.
And if he is, why then, I cry,
The man is just the same as I.
FROM GENESTET.
THREE PAIRS AND ONE.
You have two ears--and but one mouth:
Let this, friend, be a token--
Much should be heard, and not so much
Be spoken.
You have two eyes--and but one mouth:
That is an indication--
Much must you see, but little serves
Relation.
You have two hands--and but one mouth:
Receive the hint you meet with--
For labour two, but only one
To eat with.
FROM THE GERMAN
_SONG OF THE LONELY_.
Son, first-born, at home abiding!
All without is cold and bare:
Hide me from the tempest's chiding
Warm beside the Father's chair.
I am homesick, Lord of splendour!
Twilight fills my soul with fright:
Let thy countenance befriend her,
Shining from the halls of light.
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