‘DIE EHRE GOTTES AUS DER NATUR’
By Christian Fürchtegott Gellert (1715-1769)
Set to music by Ludwig van Beethoven
Translated freely by Fleming Lee
THE GLORY OF GOD IN NATURE
The heavens praise Eternal Glory;
Their sound is Its name.
The rolling earth praises It, the seas extol It:
Understand, O humans, their divine words!
Who carries the uncountable stars of heaven?
Who guides the sun from its canopy?
It comes and shines, and laughs at us from afar,
And runs its course like a hero.
See the wonders of the works
That Nature has established for you!
Do not wisdom, order, strength
Announce the Lord, the Lord of the World?
Can you observe the countless hosts of beings,
Even the most insignificant dust, without feeling?
From whom did it all arise? O give him honor!
“Rely on me,” the Lord proclaims.
Mine is the power, mine are the heavens and Earth;
By my works you know me.
I am, and shall be, that which I shall be:
Your Source and God forever.
I am your Creator; I am wisdom and goodness,
A God of order and your enlightening.
I am! Love me with your whole being,
And partake of my graciousness.
BANANA BLOSSOM UNFURLING (Compare June 23)
Those glorious magnolia blossoms are a compelling argument for the existence of a Divine Being... and the poem is very fitting. Your translation into English is very lyrical. Thank you for sharing this! 'It runs its course like a hero' is my favourite line.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Freyashawk. I'm glad somebody noticed. You're very kind. I don't know about the translation, but the blossoms are wonderful.
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