1. Were this world everlasting, still it could
Not satisfy my spirit, nor the glory

2. Of all its power content me. I have made
My way across its ways of ancient story;

3. My path the path of peoples once in power,
Now turned to dust on paths none now explore.

4. All the talk is that time will bring down
The hills to fill the sea and end the roar

5. Of waves that beat the rocks which line the shore.
They talk how time's movement will at length

6. Bring even the constellations to decay
And all the heavens to dissolution's strength.

7. Some say night's lamp will one day miss its ray
And light no more will blink in nightly skies:

8. No thought could more depress me, dire its blight.
Where silver goes and gold is shattered, still