Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 4.djvu/415

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RELATING TO MY LIFE
383

condition which, even if it seems to drag us down and oppress us, yet gives us opportunity, nay, even makes it our duty, to raise ourselves up, and to fulfil the purposes of the Godhead in this manner, that, while we are compelled on the one hand to concentrate ourselves (uns zu verselbsten), we, on the other hand, do not omit to expand ourselves (uns zu entselbstigen) in regular pulsation.[1]

  1. If we could make use of some such verbs as "inself" and "unself," we should more accurately render this passage. — Trans.