[Written and sung in honour of the birthday of the Pastor Ewald at the time of Goethe's happy connection with Lily.]
IN ev'ry hour of joyThat love and wine prolong, The moments we'll employTo carol forth this song!
We're gathered in His name,Whose power hath brought us here;He kindled first our flame,He bids it burn more clear.
Then gladly glow to-night,And let our hearts combine!
Up! quaff with fresh delightThis glass of sparkling wine!
Up! hail the joyous hour,And let your kiss be true;With each new bond of powerThe old becomes the new!
Who in our circle lives,And is not happy there?
True liberty it gives,And brother's love so fair.
Thus heart and heart through lifeWith mutual love are fill'd;And by no causeless strifeOur union e'er is chill'd.
Our hopes a God has crown'dWith life-discernment free, And all we view around,Renews our ecstasy.
Ne'er by caprice oppress'd,Our bliss is ne'er destroy'd;More freely throbs our breast,By fancies ne'er alloy'd.
Where'er our foot we set,The more life's path extends, And brighter, brighter yetOur gaze on high ascends.
We know no grief or pain,Though all things fall and rise;Long may we thus remain!
Eternal be our ties!
1775.
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