Ludvig Bødtcher (1793-1874): 'Ved et Tab'

In the event of a loss

What we love here is only ours on loan,

And Nature calls for payment whensoever;

Would you to grief and hardship not be prone,

You may on earth love nothing whatsoever. 

But grief is like an angel’s baleful hand

which purges all that on this earth we cherish,

And lifts our spirit to a higher land –

Hence you must love on earth – before your perish.