Читать книгу The Greatest German Classics (Vol. 1-14) - Various - Страница 1716

True faith, I tell thee,

Must ever be the dearest friend of man:

His nature prompts him to assert its rights.

The enmity of sects, the rage of parties,

Long cherish'd envy, jealousy, unite;

And all the struggling elements of evil

Suspend their conflict, and together league

In one alliance 'gainst their common foe—

The savage beast that breaks into the fold,

Where men repose in confidence and peace.

For vain were man's own prudence to protect him.

'Tis only in the forehead nature plants

The watchful eye—the back, without defence,

Must find its shield in man's fidelity.