We journey on—yet whither leads our way?Whither, O little thousand, dost thou stray?
Toward gardens where bright blossoms sweetly bloom,And eyes of water murmur through the gloom?
Or toward a furnace—woe to that fierce fire!In gasping breath and flames that never tire?
Whither, O youth, art thou and I to go?We wandered lost amid the rubble's woe!
Whither, O prince of beauty, soul, and grace—We strayed in ruins between hell's embrace!
My friend repeated still the questioning cry,And pressed his journey onward eagerly.
The furious winds swept through the open sky,Where arrows sped that time had sharpened high.
Time healed them and set all the heavens afire,In stillness, turmoil, and tumultuous desire!
And mist enshrouded us from head to toe,We hid ourselves behind the hills' plateau.
The mist enshrouded us, then reached the height—We hid behind the hills and cried for night!
Night darkened and the gloom enveloped all,And night-winds whirled the dust in bitter squall.
The starry flowers drifted toward their rest,Wearied by long procession's weary quest.
They hid behind their veils from us—the cloud—How many nights in this same strife they've bowed!
How came we to this world of mortal men?Why came we to this world of mortal men?
How came we to this world with sorrows dense—Why came we from the ancient years' suspense?
A caller cried from far horizon's rim:Drink tears from springs that never cease to brim!
Slay grief with iron titles, stern and cold!Leave bonds to lovers of the chained and sold!
Behold this world—a wanderer astray,Lost long in hopelessness, then swept away!
O friend, we're lost—this wilderness is ours; come, let us dwell,We've wearied of the world—let us abide here, side by side.
Long grief and struggle bowed our heads to earth,So let us spend our lives in this domain's dearth.
Where no oppression reigns, no secret's spread abroad,Where no bond holds, no love is gossiped through the crowd,
... and finally, where no heart is bought and sold,And if we find some gleam within our wandering fold,
Then to the world and all it holds—farewell, and be consoled!
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