The uses of sorrow I comprehend br Better and better at each year’s end. br br Deeper and deeper I seem to see br Why and wherefore it has to be br br Only after the dark, wet days br Do we fully rejoice in the sun’s bright rays. br br Sweeter the crust tastes after the fast br Than the sated gourmand’s finest repast. br br The faintest cheer sounds never amiss br To the actor who once has heard a hiss. br br To one who the sadness of freedom knows, br Light seem the fetters love may impose. br br And he who has dwelt with his heart alone, br Hears all the music in friendship’s tone. br br So better and better I comprehend, br How sorrow ever would be our friend.