1. Time has two days, one firmly fixed, the other fickle,
And life has two flavors, one bitter and one sweet.

2. Thus is the world, so blessings hold no pride
For the wise, nor do disasters bring defeat.

3. One's fortune lies in ease in times of peace,
Justice is when sorrow and joy both meet.

4. Though worries threaten, they are not lasting,
Nor is delight, though longed for, complete.

5.
No grief for sorrows that pass like dreams,

6. No joy in blessings that will swift retreat.
Yet mortals boast of gifts that fate gave freely,