'[CB 1] [CB25] O Fortuna [English translation]

Oh Fortuna1

like the moon

your state varies,

always either in ascendancy

or in descendancy;

detestable life

now hard

and then providing

with sharpness of mind in its game,

poverty,

power

reduced like melting ice.

Fate inhuman

and empty,

you ever turning wheel,

evil state,

empty salutation

amounting to nothing,

in shadow

and in veil

you likewise advance upon me;

now with your games

bare-backed am I

by your wickedness.

Personification of health

and virtue

now you are against me,

inclined

or disinclined

always in servitude.

Come, now at this time

without delay

here to the stricken heart;

since luck

strikes down fortune,

everyone lament with me!

1. Roman goddess of fortune/luck

• Artist:Carl Orff