1. Congratulations to the sword bearers for their idleness
With which they spend their days in luxury

2. How many of them live in perpetual safety
Without fighting in wars or charging with intent spears

3. Going and coming with swords girded in scabbards
Blades smooth and unnotched by blows

4. Remaining without meeting a foe, and if they march to war
It is but once in an age, not oft repeated

5. But the men of letters, their swords at every hour
Are never dry of blood