The drunkard in Spring

If life is only a dream,

why then the misery and torment?

I drink until I can drink no more,

the whole, dear day!

And when I can drink no more,

because my stomach and soul are full,

I stagger to my door

and sleep very well!

What do I hear when I awaken? Listen!

A bird singing in the tree.

I ask him whether it is already spring -

it's like a dream to me.

The bird twitters, "Yes! Spring

is here, it has come overnight!"

With deep concentration I listen,

and the bird sings and laughs!

I fill my goblet afresh

and drain it to the bottom

and sing, until the moon shines

in the dark firmament!

And when I can sing no more,

I fall asleep again,

for what is springtime to me? --

Let me be drunk!