As an author of the German romantic period, Clemens Brentano distinguished himself from his peers mostly through the equivocal and nonconformist nature of his declarations. The new translation featured here bears witness to the ambiguous power of his versification.
Quickly, get rid of the old world,
To build the new one up.
Those whom love consorts
May not look back on the rubble.
By virtue of strength and not regret
Do presents become pasts.