The Course Of Life

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  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.

© Friedrich Hölderlin