Life and the Ideal by Friedrich Schiller
By Friedrich Schiller
Featured in New Lyre Summer 2022
Forever calm and fair and crystal clear
Flows life upon Olympus’ tranquil plains,
Among its changeless climes and deathless race.
Moons trace their routes and countless ages wane,
But carefree and above all vanity
Unfurls the splendid rose of youth divine.
Yet mortal man has but a choice between
Sensual joy and true serenity,
Whilst on the beaming Heavens' brow,
They’re effortlessly wed.
If you desire to be god-like on Earth,
To free yourself from death’s impending threat,
Think twice before you dare to pluck the fruit.
Your eyes can feed upon their charms forever,
But joy’s desires will always quickly wane
And be consumed by endless transience.
So Ceres' daughter could not escape
When sailing Styx’s nine-fold rivers:
She picked the apple and then sealed her fate
Among the shades of Orcus.
