The Works of J. W. von Goethe/Volume 9/Song of Fellowship
SONG OF FELLOWSHIP.
[Written and sung in honour of the birthday of the Pastor Ewald, at the time of Goethe's happy connection with Lili.]
In every hour of joy
That love and wine prolong,
The moments we'll employ
To 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 delight
This glass of sparkling wine!
Up! hail the joyous hour.
And let your kiss be true;
With each new bond of power
The 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 life
With mutual love are filled;
And by no causeless strife
Our union is e'er chilled.
Our hopes a God has crowned
With life-discernment free,
And all we view around,
Renews our ecstasy.
Ne'er by caprice oppressed,
Our bliss is ne'er destroyed;
More freely throbs our breast,
By fancies ne'er alloyed.
Where'er our foot we set,
The more life's path extends,
And brighter, brighter yet
Our 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!