"Ode to Joy" (German: "Ode an die Freude", first line: "Freude, schöner Götterfunken") is an ode written in 1785 by the German poet, playwright and historian Friedrich Schiller, enthusiastically celebrating the brotherhood and unity of all mankind. The ode is best known for its musical setting in D Major by Ludwig van Beethoven in the final movement of his Ninth Symphony (completed in 1824), a choral symphony for orchestra, four solo voices and choir. The original poem in german with english translation can be found at http://www.raptusassociation.org/ode1785.html  Aside from the original poem in German, Henry Van Dyke wrote a poem in English for the melody of the choral section in the 9th Symphony. His words are below: 

"Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; 
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above. 
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away; 
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day! 

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays, 
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise. 
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea, 
Singing (sometimes chanting) bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee. 

Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed, 
Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! 
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine; 
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine. 

Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began; 
Father love is reigning o'er us, brother love binds man to man. _
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife, 
Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life."