1. When I saw the turns of fate
Playing with mortals,

2. Raising one up and casting another down,
And their palaces destroyed by death,

3. And I saw it taking back
The gifts and favors it had given,

4. Changing conditions,
Varying fortunes and trials,

5. No blessing in it lasts,
Nor do afflictions endure,

6. I took no pride in its boons
Nor feared its calamities.