1. The times have turned against mankind,
So they have split it with their ugliness.

2. The paths of life have narrowed,
So its expanse has shrunk.

3. I am compelled in it to gentle
Its ugliness with gentleness.

4. So I have chosen the best
I found, wary of ignorant zealotry.

5. And I was content with the little I found
And pleased with its meager amount.

6. So the people of the times may love me,
Even if they reproach me for it after.

7. And I knew that if I reached
Their minds with admonitions at dawn,

8. I would provoke the people of our time
With rhyme and prose.

9. So I left that one frustrated
And left this other toiling.

10. Thus my generosity led me to loss
After profit.

11. And to the complaints of a friend
And blame after praise.

12. I have not lived a life of sorrow
Wounded and injured.

13. So I live among enemies
Both near and distant.

14. And those angry, remembering
My life even underneath my tomb.