78. Wherein He Modestly Counsels a Friend to Eschew Worldly Delights -
WHEREIN HE MODESTLY COUNSELS A FRIEND TO ESCHEW WORLDLY DELIGHTS
Friend, since our fate gives all too frequent proof
Of hopes stamped down in dust before their fruit,
Come, let us lift our hearts to Heaven! Let lute
And voice lift up our hearts to Heaven's proud roof!
This earth we tread with such an arrogant hoof
Conceals the serpent at the blossom's root:
It charms the eye — and strikes fangs at the foot;
A hell at hand, a paradise aloof.
Ah then, as thou wouldst wish, ere too, too late,
To relish peace, sweet peace of mind to know,
Leave the tumultuous path, cleave to the straight!
Well mayst thou answer, " O my friend, you show
Others the road you cannot keep, the gate
You fumble at, the field you cannot plow! "
Friend, since our fate gives all too frequent proof
Of hopes stamped down in dust before their fruit,
Come, let us lift our hearts to Heaven! Let lute
And voice lift up our hearts to Heaven's proud roof!
This earth we tread with such an arrogant hoof
Conceals the serpent at the blossom's root:
It charms the eye — and strikes fangs at the foot;
A hell at hand, a paradise aloof.
Ah then, as thou wouldst wish, ere too, too late,
To relish peace, sweet peace of mind to know,
Leave the tumultuous path, cleave to the straight!
Well mayst thou answer, " O my friend, you show
Others the road you cannot keep, the gate
You fumble at, the field you cannot plow! "
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