The happy wanderer

When God wishes to show true favour to someone,

he sends him out into the wide world

and points out his miracles

in mountain and wood and river and field.

The indolent ones who laze at home

are not refreshed by the dawn;

they only know about rearing children,

about cares, burdens and miseries - and all for bread.

The brook springs out of the mountains,

the larks zip high with pleasure;

is there anything I should not sing with them

with full throat and fresh spirit?

Let dear God alone prevail;

He sustains the brook, the larks, the wind and field,

and the earth and sky;

and he has also ordered my life for the best.