Consolation

As time flies by, console yourself
that whatever worries you today
shall soon be bid a swift farewell,
and there will be another day.

In the eternal future, purified,
pain resides with happiness;
among the treasure you shall find
returning cheerful images.

Wait, hope. Do not regret your stay,
or count the striking hours in vain:
it is the fate of life to change,
and there will be another day.

Theodor Fontane (1819-1898)
Translated by Prontobard (2022)