Friendship
ETERNAL FRIENDSHIP
Break the bonds of this delusion,
Rend the veil of this prejudice,
Put off the garment
That clothes mankind in sects.
Hammer the iron, which till now has spilt
The blood of men, of brothers, into ploughshares.
With the black powder which often
Fired the murderous lead
Into the hearts of brothers,
Blast rocks!
Do not believe that real misfortune
Exists upon my earth.
It is only instruction, which does good,
If it spurs you on to better deeds,
Which should drive you forwards
When you men who walk
In wretchedness,
Strike backwards into the thorns.
Only be wise, be strong,
And be brothers.
Then will my entire favour
Rest on you,
Then only tears of joy
Will wet your cheeks,
Then your cries will be
Cries of rejoicing,
Then you will transform
Deserts into valleys of Eden,
Then everything in nature
Will smile upon you.
Then, then, then,
Then it will be attained,
Life's true happiness
Will be attained!
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
