MY trust in nothing now is placed,

Hurrah! So in the world true joy I taste,

Hurrah! Then he who would be a comrade of mine Must rattle his glass, and in chorus combine, Over these dregs of wine.

I placed my trust in gold and wealth,

Hurrah! But then I lost all joy and health,

Lack-a-day! Both here and there the money roll'd, And when I had it here, behold, From there had fled the gold!

I placed my trust in women next,

Hurrah! But there in truth was sorely vex'd,

Lack-a-day! The False another portion sought, The True with tediousness were fraught, The Best could not be bought.

My trust in travels then I placed,

Hurrah! And left my native land in haste.

Lack-a-day! But not a single thing seem'd good, The beds were bad, and strange the food, And I not understood.

I placed my trust in rank and fame,

Hurrah! Another put me straight to shame,

Lack-a-day! And as I had been prominent, All scowl'd upon me as I went, I found not one content.

I placed my trust in war and fight,

Hurrah! We gain'd full many a triumph bright,

Hurrah! Into the foeman's land we cross'd, We put our friends to equal cost, And there a leg I lost.

My trust is placed in nothing now,

Hurrah! At my command the world must bow,

Hurrah! And as we've ended feast and strain, The cup we'll to the bottom drain; No dregs must there remain!

1806.

VANITAS! VANITATUM VANITAS! - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe