Classic Poem

Four elements, joined in
An emulous strife,
Fashion the world, and
Constitute life.

From the sharp citron
The starry juice pour;
Acid to life is
The innermost core.

Now, let the sugar
The bitter one meet;
Still be life's bitter
Tamed down with the sweet!

Let the bright water
Flow into the bowl;
Water, the calm one,
Embraces the whole.

Drops from the spirit
Pour quick'ning within,
Life but its life from
The spirit can win.

Haste, while it gloweth,
Your vessels to bring;
The wave has but virtue
Drunk hot from the spring.
TRANSLATED FROM SCHILLER.