Three Aspects

Some showed me Life as 'twere a royal game,
Shining in every colour of the sun,
With prizes to be played for, one by one
Love, riches, fame.

Some showed me Life as 'twere a terrible fight,
A ceaseless striving 'gainst unnumbered foes,
A battle ever harder to the close,
Ending in night.

Thou— thou dids't make of Life a vision deep
Of the deep happiness the spirit feels
When heavenly music Heaven itself reveals
And passions sleep.