THE RULE OF LIFE.

Portrait of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1749–1832
8The Poems

IF thou wouldst live unruffled by care, Let not the past torment thee e'er; As little as possible be thou annoy'd, And let the present be ever enjoy'd; Ne'er let thy breast with hate be supplied, And to God the future confide.

                                1815.*

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