O God, in worlds that surge with darkness deep,I see no smiling face—no joy to keep.
Men pass like phantoms through my wandering mind,I deem them clouds above wealth's heights confined.
They said: 'Live like a narcissus in the field,'Embracing light and every breeze revealed.
Live like the rest—let not decline dismay;Fate drags thee whither it has chosen way.
All one—who trades in passion's fleeting fire,Or who from error's path would still aspire.
Or grant us more of hope's desired store—A folk who lived that life and woke no more.
He who rejoices in his household's gateMay find his talk has sprung a mine of fate.
They told us life is spacious, wide, and free—No narrowness endures eternally.
God made the moon to sweep the dark away,Complete upon the blackness of the night.
It melts like silver in a shallow sea,And blots out sorrow from mortality.
Within creation's realm it stands a signFrom God to man, wherever souls align.
Alas—why cannot I in mankind seeA light, nor sleep between the shadows' plea?
Abstinence from love spread through their band,Conscience grew cold—their conduct turned to sand.