So many people look on with a grim expression
As they complain about the wide world,
Life's miraculous stage
Lies in vain before them.
Yet I know better how to behave,
And far be it from me to be ashamed of joy,
I enjoy the moment with delight:
Surely that is something that counts as happiness.

I have attracted many a heart
Yet my triumph did not last long,
For silliness has often spoiled for me
What my cheerful attitude led me to attain.
I have therefore also escaped from the net;
Since, because no illusion held me hostage
I did not return to any of them:
And surely that is something that counts as happiness!

No laurels garlanded my locks,
No halo shone around my head;
Yet nevertheless what I have achieved is not in vain;
A quiet 'thank you' is also a garland!
To those who are far away from saucy flights
The quiet joys of the valley are sufficient,
Neither do they need to worry about saving their necks:
And surely that is something that counts as happiness!

And when the ambassador from those realms calls
One day, as he will for everyone, with a serious and cavernous voice,
Then I shall willingly say, as I leave,
To the beautiful earth, "Farewell!"
So let it be, since at the end we shall hold
Hands, faithful hands of friends will be held out to me,
And in this way I shall be blessed by the eyes of friends:
And that, brothers, is surely something that counts as happiness!