Der Mond ist aufgegangen

The moon has risen,
the golden little stars shine
bright and clear in the sky!
The forest stands black and silent
and from the meadows rises
the white mist wonderfully.

How quiet the world is,
and in the twilight's veil
so cozy and so lovely!
Like a quiet chamber,
where the day's sorrows
should be slept and forgotten.

Do you see the moon standing there?
It is only half visible
and yet round and beautiful!
So are many things,
that we confidently laugh at
because our eyes do not see them.

We proud human children
are vain poor sinners
and do not know much.
We spin airy fantasies
and seek many arts
and stray further from the goal.

God, let us see your salvation
not trust in anything fleeting
not delight in vanity.
Let us become simple
and before you here on Earth
be pious and joyful like children.