The Works of J. W. von Goethe/Volume 9/The Same, Expanded

by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

THE SAME, EXPANDED.

If thou wouldst live unruffled by care,
Let not the past torment thee e'er;
If any loss thou hast to rue,
Act as though thou wert born anew;
Inquire the meaning of each day,
What each day means, itself will say;
In thine own actions take thy pleasure,
What others do thou'lt duly treasure;
Ne'er let thy breast with hate be supplied,
And to God the future confide.