The uses of sorrow I comprehend
Better and better at each year-s end.

Deeper and deeper I seem to see
Why and wherefore it has to be

Only after the dark, wet days
Do we fully rejoice in the sun-s bright rays.

Sweeter the crust tastes after the fast
Than the sated gourmand-s finest repast.

The faintest cheer sounds never amiss
To the actor who once has heard a hiss.

To one who the sadness of freedom knows,
Light seem the fetters love may impose.

And he who has dwelt with his heart alone,
Hears all the music in friendship-s tone.

So better and better I comprehend,
How sorrow ever would be our friend.