they strive also
Ever for that which is higher, at least what is new they seek after,
But don’t hurry too fast!  For combined with these feelings, kind Nature
Also has given us pleasure in dwelling on that which is ancient,
And in clinging to that to which we have long been accustom’d. 
Each situation is good that’s accordant to nature and reason. 
Many things man desires, and yet he has need of but little;
For but short are the days, and confined is the lot of a mortal. 
I can never blame the man who, active and restless,
Hurries along, and explores each corner of earth and the ocean
Boldly and carefully, while he rejoices at seeing the profits
Which round him and his family gather themselves in abundance. 
But I also duly esteem the peaceable burgher,
Who with silent steps his paternal inheritance paces,
And watches over the earth, the seasons carefully noting. 
’Tis not every year that he finds his property alter’d;
Newly-planted trees cannot stretch out their arms tow’rds the heavens
All in a moment, adorn’d with beautiful buds in abundance. 
No, a man has need of patience, he also has need of
Pure unruffled tranquil thoughts and an intellect honest;
For to the nourishing earth few seeds at a time he entrusteth,
Few are the creatures he keeps at a time, with a view to their breeding,
For what is Useful alone remains the first thought of his lifetime. 
Happy the man to whom Nature a mind thus attuned may have given! 
’Tis by him that we all are fed.  And happy the townsman
Of the small town who unites the vocations of town and of country. 
He is exempt from the pressure by which the poor farmer is worried,
Is not perplex’d by the citizens’ cares and soaring ambition,
Who, with limited means,—­especially women and maidens,—­
Think of nothing but aping the ways of the great and the wealthy,
You should therefore bless your son’s disposition so peaceful,
And the like-minded wife whom we soon may expect him to marry.

Thus he spoke.  At that moment the mother and son stood before them. 
By the hand she led him and placed him in front of her husband
“Father,” she said, “how often have we, when talking together,
Thought of that joyful day in the future, when Hermann, selecting
After long waiting his bride at length would make us both happy! 
All kinds of projects we form’d. designing first one, then another
Girl as his wife, as we talk’d in the manner that parents delight in. 
Now the day has arrived; and now has his bride been conducted
Hither and shown him by Heaven; his heart at length has decided. 
Were we not always saying that he should choose for himself, and
Were you not lately wishing that he might feel for a maiden
Warm and heart-felt emotions?  And now has arrived the right moment! 
Yes, he has felt and has chosen, and like a man has decided. 
That fair maiden it is, the Stranger whom he encounter’d. 
Give her him; else he’ll remain—­he has sworn it—­unmarried for ever.”