1. The path of glory lies open before me
And my heart is set on unraveling mysteries

2. My ambition bears no injustice
Its resolutions in peril like an embattled army

3. I seek from the exalted what swords in scabbards
and polished blades cannot attain

4. And I drive myself into dangers feared even in thought
With the flames of conflict blazing among armored men

5. Behold, I revealed the darkness of a dreaded tyrant
My face slashed by the swords like the new moon

6. And I returned with glorious deeds accomplished
Crowned in victory, turbaned in triumph

7. Death in my cause has a pleasing taste
And every mouth has death for its gag

8. Nights have recorded me as a young man of ambition
Deeming trivial what is most formidable and great

9. I carry a cross no provocation can stir me from
And threats I do not heed or let control me

10. I looked upon this age with its own eye
My lips smiling at its events

11. When wealth has bent the neck of the toiler
I have spurned what the vile hoard

12. God watered days in which we delighted in their shade
Each a treasured beloved of the other

13. And how many a night we spent defying our watcher
Clad by piety in a starry gown

14. I gather the reins time's march has severed
To one whose tranquil heart is perfectly content