1. People before me wept when youth departed
With tears from their hearts, though it was not justly gauged,

2. Yet I make up for what they neglected
In weeping and grief for what they overlooked.

3. By your life! Gray hair comes only
With your loss - except for decline or its causes.

4. Do you not see that among the youth
You are like one who died or an absent love?

5. And if the tears saw you, they would deny
Recognition of your face among the faces.