Classic Poem

I

Again the sea, the mountainous waves, again the birds are following us with wild noise and tumult, and the storms again and the moaning winds .
Again in the huge, lonely ship, tossed between skies and water; again you wander weary and lost, you poor, pale-faced human being .
Whereto and to whom and to what goal? Happiness is hidden deep down the abyss; the sea will not quench your thirst for happiness; no ships will lead you to it ...

II

Calmed is the sea. Quietly she rolls her waves, and looks so brightly and mildly towards the sky, as if she, the giant, has come to the conclusion that her tossing, roaring and arowling will be of no avail .
And all her strong, giant longings she never will be able to satisfy. For her too God has marked a road, and never will she leave her shores .

III

A wave has spoken to me: Poet, you have wandered enough! You think the world is really wide? Oh, one more trip — and the end is reached .
Round is the earth — that has been proved long long ago; and wherever you part in your search for happiness you arrive back at the selfsame spot .