1. Happiness and misery are ever shifting states
So bring me now happiness and banish woes

2. And bear life's changes with forgiving grace
Thus strengthening the noble spirit grows

3. Shun dishonor and seek glory in its place
For lowliness reveals the mind's defeat

4. But wary be of those whom you debase
By begging, be they commoners or elite

5. For asking demeans the spirit, leaves a thirst
That never can be quenched, so rather turn