1. Again and again I say to myself,
The evening star shines bright, undoubtedly.

2. Oh soul, be gentle in strife and take joy,
For its cup holds only poison to drink.

3. If I do not lead horses to every enemy,
And eat the flesh of foes till sated,

4. If I do not send raiding bands from the frontier,
And live glorious, though my life be cramped,

5. If I do not tread a land and its pastures together,
Subduing it by force as expected,

6. Then march to a land and empty its homes,
Till it becomes peopled by you and a ruin.