Three words of strength - Friedrich von Schiller

There are three lessons I would write, — 

Three words as with a burning pen, 

In tracings of eternal light. 

Upon the hearts of men.

Have hope! 

Though clouds environ round,

And gladness hides her face in scorn, 

Put thou the shadow from thy brow: 

No night but hath its morn!

Have faith! 

Where'er thy bark is driven, — 

The calm's disport, the tempest's mirth, — 

Know this: God rules the hosts of heaven, 

The inhabitants of earth.

Have love! 

Not love alone for one. 

But man, as man, thy brother call, 

And scatter, like the circling sun, 

Thy charities on all.

Thus grave these lessons on thy soul, —

Hope, faith, and love; and thou shalt find 

Strength when life's surges rudest roll. 

Light when thou else wert blind !

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Friedrich Schiller (1759 - 1805) Germany

Translated by Samuel Irenaeus Prime

Source: Songs of the soul: gathered out of many lands and ages by Samuel Irenaeus Prime, Robert Carter and Brothers, 1874