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The Platypus Rejoices

Joy, fair spark of the gods,Daughter of Elysium,
Drunk with fiery rapture, Goddess,We approach thy shrine!
Thy magic reunites those Whom stern custom has parted;
All men will become brothers Under thy gentle wing.
May he who has had the fortune To gain a true friend
And he who has won a noble wife Join in our jubilation!
Yes, even if he calls but one soul His own in all the world.
But he who has failed in this Must steal away alone and in tears.
All the world's creatures Draw joy from nature's breast;
Both the good and the evil Follow her rose-strewn path.
She gave us kisses and wine And a friend loyal unto death;
She gave lust for life to the lowliest, And the Cherub stands before God.
Joyously, as his suns speed Through Heaven's glorious order,
Hasten, Brothers, on your way, Exulting as a knight in victory.
Be embraced, Millions!Take this kiss for all the world!
Brothers, surely a loving Father Dwells above the canopy of stars.
Do you sink before him, Millions? World, do you sense your Creator?
Seek him then beyond the stars!
He must dwell beyond the stars.


Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,
Praising Thee their sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise:
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Blooming meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain,
Call us to rejoice in Thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine:
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the Joy Divine.
Mortals join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father-love is reigning o'er us,
Brother-love binds man to man.
Ever singing march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music lifts us sunward
In the triumph song of life.

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