Joy, bright spark of divinity,Daughter of Elysium,Fire-inspired we treadThy sanctuary.Thy magic power re-unitesAll that custom has divided,All men become brothersUnder the sway of thy gentle wings.Whoever has createdAn abiding friendship,Or has wonA true and loving wife,All who can call at least one soul theirs,Join in our song of praise ;But any who cannot must creep tearfullyAway from our circle.All creatures drink of joyAt nature's breast.Just and unjustAlike taste of her gift ;She gave us kisses and the fruit of the vine,A tried friend to the end.Even the worm can fell contentment,And the cherub stands before God !Gladly, like the heavenly bodiesWhich He set on their coursesThrough the splendour of the firmament ;Thus, brothers, you should run your race,As a hero going to conquest.You millions, I embrace you.This kiss is for all the world !Brothers, above the starry canopyThere must dwell a loving Father.Do you fall in worship, you millions ?World, do you know your Creator ?Seek Him in the heavens !Above the stars must He dwell.
