295 LIFE'S VOYAGE
8,8,8,8
Gar mancher Weg, gar manche Bahn
Gottfried Arnold
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1869
Full many a way, full many a path, The all-encircling Ocean hath, Let each man only see to this, That his own course he do not miss. | Or long or devious be thy way, What matter, if thou do not stray? Or lead it thee by east or west, What matter, if thou reach thy rest? | The ways are countless, none the same, Yet each one hath its proper aim, Only forget not aye to heed If to the haven thine will lead. | For there are currents undiscerned, As many a ship too late hath learned, That deemed itself full safe to be, Yet sank upon the open sea. | Another's course may not be thine, But Christ on all alike will shine; Leave thou thy brother where he is, Pursue thy way in quietness. | One is the haven;--let there be In us who seek it, unity; Vast is the ocean, surely there Is room for all men and to spare. | Then heedfully go on thy way, Care only that on that great Day, Whether thy course be long or short, Thy vessel may be found in port. | |