Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/243

Rh Tread the enduring Firm-seated earth; Aiming no further, than The oak or the vine to compare!

What doth distinguish Gods from mankind? This! Multitudinous Billows roll ever Before the immortals, An infinite stream. We by a billow Are lifted—a billow Engulfs us—we sink, And are heard of no more.

A little round Encircles our life, And races unnumbered Extend through the ages, Linked by existence's Infinite chain.

 THE GODLIKE.

be man, Helpful and good! For that alone Distinguisheth him From all the beings Unto us known.

Hail to the beings, Unknown and glorious, Whom we forebode! From his example 