1. After sixty, what desire have I to seek?
Alas! After youth what can a man desire?

2. The son of Adam in the world is ever in danger;
No right course or way can he safely steer.

3. As though he were in a ship, while round him raves
Tempestuous winds and billows without number.

4. He longs for safety, but to perish dreads;
Distressed with troubles that admit no slumber.

5. To me the birds' shrill notes or plaintive cries
Are both alike. The wolf's long howl or sharp

6. Or the repeated echo from the rocks,
Alike unheeded greet my languid ear.