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.