Friedrich Schiller on Love

“Wouldst thou know thyself, observe the actions of others. Wouldst thou other men know, look thou within thine own heart.”

“Ah, to that far distant strand Bridge there was not to convey, Not a bark was near at hand, Yet true love soon found the way.”

“Ich habe genossen das irdische Glück, Ich habe gelebt und geliebt. I have enjoyed earthly happiness, I have lived and loved.”

“Raum ist in der kleinsten Hütte Für ein glücklich liebend Paar. In the smallest cot there is room enough for a loving pair.”

“Arm in Arm mit dir, So fordr' ich mein Jahrhundert in die Schranken. Thus Arm in Arm with thee I dare defy my century into the lists.”

“O dass sie ewig grünen bliebe, Die schöne Zeit der jungen Liebe. O that it might remain eternally green, The beautiful time of youthful love.”

“O tender yearning, sweet hoping! The golden time of first love! The eye sees the open heaven, The heart is intoxicated with bliss; O that the beautiful time of young love Could remain green forever.”

“There are three lessons I would write, — Three words — as with a burning pen, In tracings of eternal light Upon the hearts of men. Have Hope. Though clouds environ now, And gladness hides her face in scorn, Put thou the shadow from thy brow, — No night but hath its morn. Have Faith. Where'er thy bark is driven, — The calm's disport, the tempest's mirth, — Know this: God rules the hosts of heaven, The habitants of earth. Have Love. Not love alone for one, But men, as man, thy brothers call; And scatter, like the circling sun, Thy charities on all. Thus grave these lessons on thy soul, — Hope, Faith, and Love, — and thou shalt find Strength when life's surges rudest roll, Light when thou else wert blind.”