1. His efforts avail him naught but want and need remain,
While food and raiment bounteous doth his brother gain.

2. From his own soul on lone hill-top he asks relief;
His heart replies, "Renounce delusions, which deceive."

3. He hears the wind blow tidings of a crumbling heap,
A straw at mercy of the wind high piles to sweep.

4. Down from his tear-wrung eyes he draws a veil, and shrinks
From fraud and guile, which only harm to those who use.

5. Through lack and less from greater grows the greater greed,
When men with fortune's favours are of fortune freed.

6. The coward in the storm clouds of adversity
Seeks for himself their sheltering wings' security.

7. His streaming tears and flooding sobs pass unchecked,
Except by walls which echo back his cries unchecked.

8. But when the clouds dissolve, and shows the sun more bright,
He scans the heavens, with tears and sobs he takes his flight.

9. Contempt, when she saw his woe, past bearing longer, drew
The fragment of his cloak, and bade him speed anew.

10. Woe to the man, who when the clouds their burden rain
Seeks not fresh courage, and high resolve again.

11. To stand 'gainst triumph, and his spirits to renew.